Stimulating a nervous system component of a mammal in response to contactlessly acquired information

ABSTRACT

Described embodiments include a system, an apparatus, and a method. A described system includes a sensor device configured to sense a property of a mammal without physically contacting the mammal. The system also includes a signal generator configured to generate a signal indicative of the sensed property of the mammal. The system further describes a neuromodulation device configured to output a stimulus operable to modulate a nervous system component of the mammal in response to the signal indicative of the sensed property of the mammal.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is related to and claims the benefit of theearliest available effective filing date(s) from the following listedapplication(s) (the “Related Applications”) (e.g., claims earliestavailable priority dates for other than provisional patent applicationsor claims benefits under 35 USC §119(e) for provisional patentapplications, for any and all parent, grandparent, great-grandparent,etc. applications of the Related Application(s)).

RELATED APPLICATIONS

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. To be assigned, entitled DETERMINING ANEUROMODULATION TREATMENT REGIMEN IN RESPONSE TO CONTACTLESSLY ACQUIREDINFORMATION, naming Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Eric C.Leuthardt, Dennis J. Rivet, Elizabeth A. Sweeney, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.,and Victoria Y. H. Wood as inventors, filed Jul. 28, 2009, which iscurrently co-pending, or is an application of which a currentlyco-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. To be assigned, entitled ELECTRONICALLY INITIATINGAN ADMINISTRATION OF A NEUROMODULATION TREATMENT REGIMEN CHOSEN INRESPONSE TO CONTACTLESSLY ACQUIRED INFORMATION, naming Roderick A. Hyde,Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Eric C. Leuthardt, Dennis J. Rivet, Elizabeth A.Sweeney, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., and Victoria Y. H. Wood as inventors,filed Jul. 28, 2009, which is currently co-pending, or is an applicationof which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefitof the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. To be assigned, entitled BROADCASTING A SIGNALINDICATIVE OF A DISEASE, DISORDER, OR SYMPTOM DETERMINED IN RESPONSE TOCONTACTLESSLY ACQUIRED INFORMATION, naming Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y.Ishikawa, Eric C. Leuthardt, Dennis J. Rivet, Elizabeth A. Sweeney,Lowell L. Wood, Jr., and Victoria Y. H. Wood as inventors, filed Jul.28, 2009, which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which acurrently co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of thefiling date.

The United States Patent Office (USPTO) has published a notice to theeffect that the USPTO's computer programs require that patent applicantsreference both a serial number and indicate whether an application is acontinuation or continuation-in-part. Stephen G. Kunin, Benefit ofPrior-Filed Application, USPTO Official Gazette Mar. 18, 2003, availableat http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/com/sol/og/2003/week11/patbene.htm.The present Applicant Entity (hereinafter “Applicant”) has providedabove a specific reference to the application(s) from which priority isbeing claimed as recited by statute. Applicant understands that thestatute is unambiguous in its specific reference language and does notrequire either a serial number or any characterization, such as“continuation” or “continuation-in-part,” for claiming priority to U.S.patent applications. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Applicantunderstands that the USPTO's computer programs have certain data entryrequirements, and hence Applicant is designating the present applicationas a continuation-in-part of its parent applications as set forth above,but expressly points out that such designations are not to be construedin any way as any type of commentary or admission as to whether or notthe present application contains any new matter in addition to thematter of its parent application(s).

All subject matter of the Related Applications and of any and allparent, grandparent, great-grandparent, etc. applications of the RelatedApplications is incorporated herein by reference to the extent suchsubject matter is not inconsistent herewith.

SUMMARY

An embodiment of the subject matter described herein includes a system.The system includes a sensor device configured to sense a property of amammal without physically contacting the mammal. The system alsoincludes a signal generator configured to generate a signal indicativeof the sensed property of the mammal. The system further includes aneuromodulation device configured to output a stimulus operable tomodulate a nervous system component of the mammal in response to thesignal indicative of the sensed property of the mammal.

An embodiment of the subject matter described herein includes a method.The method includes sensing a property of a mammal without physicallycontacting the mammal. The method also includes generating an electronicsignal indicative of the sensed property of the mammal. The methodfurther includes modulating a nervous system component of the mammal inresponse to the electronic signal indicative of a property of themammal.

An embodiment of the subject matter described herein includes anapparatus. The apparatus includes means for sensing a property of amammal without physically contacting the mammal. The apparatus alsoincludes means for generating an electronic signal indicative of thesensed property of the mammal. The apparatus further includes means foroutputting a neuromodulation treatment regimen to a nervous systemcomponent of the patient mammal, the neuromodulation treatment regimendetermined in response to the signal indicative of the sensed propertyof the subject mammal, and the neuromodulation treatment regimenoutputted only if a substantial likeness between the subject mammal andthe patient mammal is determined.

An embodiment of the subject matter described herein includes a system.The system includes a sensor device configured to sense a property of asubject mammal without physically contacting the subject mammal. Thesystem also includes a signal generator configured to generate a signalindicative of the sensed property of the subject mammal. The systemfurther includes a patient confirmation device configured to determine asubstantial likeness between the subject mammal and a patient mammal.The system also includes a neuromodulation device configured to output astimulus operable to modulate a nervous system component of the patientmammal. The stimulus is selected in response to the signal indicative ofthe sensed property of the subject mammal. The stimulus is output onlyif the authentication device determines a substantial likeness betweenthe subject mammal and the patient mammal.

An embodiment of the subject matter described herein includes a method.The method includes sensing a property of a subject mammal withoutphysically contacting the subject mammal. The method also includesgenerating an electronic signal indicative of the sensed property of thesubject mammal. The method further includes determining a substantiallikeness between the subject mammal and a patient mammal. The methodalso includes outputting a neuromodulation treatment regimen to anervous system component of the patient mammal. The neuromodulationtreatment regimen determined in response to the signal indicative of thesensed property of the subject mammal. The neuromodulation treatmentregimen is outputted only if a substantial likeness between the subjectmammal and the patient mammal is determined.

An embodiment of the subject matter described herein includes anapparatus. The apparatus includes means for sensing a property of amammal without physically contacting the mammal. The apparatus alsoincludes means for generating an electronic signal indicative of thesensed property of the mammal. The apparatus further includes means fordetermining a substantial likeness between the subject mammal and apatient mammal. The apparatus includes means for outputting aneuromodulation treatment regimen to a nervous system component of thepatient mammal. The neuromodulation treatment regimen determined inresponse to the signal indicative of the sensed property of the subjectmammal. The neuromodulation treatment regimen is output if a substantiallikeness between the subject mammal and the patient mammal isdetermined.

An embodiment of the subject matter described herein includes a system.The system includes a sensor device operable to detect a property of amammal without a direct physical contact with the mammal. The systemalso includes a patient assessment device operable to evaluate thedetected property of the mammal for an indicator of a disease. Thesystem further includes a patient information device including acomputer-readable medium and configured to maintain and to provideaccess to information corresponding to the indication of the disease.The system further includes a transmitter device operable to broadcast asignal indicative of the disease. In an embodiment, the system mayinclude a user interface operable to electronically output ahuman-perceivable indication of the disease in response to the broadcastsignal indicative of the disease. In an embodiment, the system mayinclude a treatment controller operable to control an administration ofa neuromodulation treatment regimen to a nervous system component of themammal. In an embodiment, the system may include a neuromodulationdevice operable to administer a neuromodulation treatment regimen to anervous system component of the mammal. In an embodiment, the system mayinclude an illumination source operable to illuminate at least a portionof the mammal with an energy to which the sensor device is responsive.

An embodiment of the subject matter described herein includes a system.The system includes a sensor device operable to detect a property of amammal without a direct physical contact with the mammal. The systemalso includes a patient assessment device operable to evaluate thedetected property of the mammal for an indicator of a disease. Thesystem further includes a user interface device operable toelectronically output a human-perceivable information responsive to thedisease. The system also includes a patient information device having acomputer-readable medium. The patient information device is configuredto maintain information corresponding to the indicator of a disease, andto provide access to the maintained information. In an embodiment, thesystem may include a neuromodulation device operable to deliver aneuromodulation treatment regimen to a nervous system component of themammal.

An embodiment of the subject matter described herein includes a method.The method includes acquiring electronic data indicative of a propertyof a mammal without making physical contact with the mammal. The methodalso includes evaluating the detected property of the mammal for anindicator of a disease based on the acquired electronic data indicativeof a property of a mammal. The method further includes maintaining andproviding access to electronically stored information corresponding tothe indication of the disease. The method also includes broadcasting asignal indicative of the disease. In an embodiment, the method mayinclude electronically outputting a human-perceivable indication of thedisease in response to the broadcast signal indicative of the disease.In an embodiment, the method may include administering a neuromodulationtreatment regimen to a nervous system component of the mammal inresponse to a human-originated input. In an embodiment, the method mayinclude administering a neuromodulation treatment regimen to a nervoussystem component of the mammal in response to a human-originated inputthat is responsive to a proffered neuromodulation treatment regimen.

An embodiment of the subject matter described herein includes a system.The system includes means for acquiring electronic data indicative of aproperty of a mammal without making physical contact with the mammal.The system also includes means for evaluating the detected property ofthe mammal for an indicator of a disease based on the acquiredelectronic data indicative of a property of a mammal. The system furtherincludes means for maintaining and providing access to electronicallystored information corresponding to the indicator of the disease. Thesystem also includes means for electronically outputting ahuman-perceivable indication of the disease. In an embodiment, thesystem may include means for electronically outputting ahuman-perceivable indication of the disease in response to the broadcastsignal indicative of the disease. In an embodiment, the system mayinclude means for administering a neuromodulation treatment regimen to anervous system component of the mammal in response to a human-originatedinput.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be inany way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments,and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and featureswill become apparent by reference to the drawings and the followingdetailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example embodiment of a thin computing device inwhich embodiments may be implemented;

FIG. 2 illustrates an example embodiment of a general-purpose computingsystem in which embodiments may be implemented;

FIG. 3 illustrates an example environment in which embodiments may beimplemented;

FIG. 4 illustrates another example of the environment that illustrates ahead of the mammal wearing eyeglasses;

FIG. 5 illustrates an example operational flow in which embodiments maybe implemented;

FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the operational flow ofFIG. 5;

FIG. 7 illustrates an example apparatus in which embodiments may beimplemented;

FIG. 8 illustrates an example environment in which embodiments may beimplemented;

FIG. 9 illustrates an example operational flow in which embodiments maybe implemented;

FIG. 10 illustrates an example apparatus in which embodiments may beimplemented;

FIG. 11 illustrates an example environment in which embodiments may beimplemented;

FIG. 12 illustrates an example operational flow in which embodiments maybe implemented;

FIG. 13 illustrates an example apparatus in which embodiments may beimplemented;

FIG. 14 illustrates an environment in which embodiments may beimplemented;

FIG. 15 illustrates an example operational flow in which embodiments maybe implemented;

FIG. 16 illustrates an example system in which embodiments may beimplemented;

FIG. 17 illustrates an environment that includes a system in whichembodiments may be implemented;

FIG. 18 illustrates an example operational flow in which embodiments maybe implemented;

FIG. 19 illustrates an example system in which embodiments may beimplemented;

FIG. 20 illustrates an example environment that includes a system inwhich embodiments may be implemented;

FIG. 21 illustrates an example operational flow in which embodiments maybe implemented;

FIG. 22 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationalflow described in FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 illustrates another alternative embodiment of the exampleoperational flow described in FIG. 21;

FIG. 24 illustrates a further alternative embodiment of the exampleoperational flow described in FIG. 21;

FIG. 25 illustrates another alternative embodiment of the exampleoperational flow described in FIG. 21;

FIG. 26 illustrates a further alternative embodiment of the exampleoperational flow described in FIG. 21;

FIG. 27 illustrates an example operational flow in which embodiments maybe implemented;

FIG. 28 illustrates an example system in which embodiments may beimplemented;

FIG. 29 illustrates an example environment that includes a system inwhich embodiments may be implemented;

FIG. 30 illustrates an example operational flow in which embodiments maybe implemented; and

FIG. 31 illustrates an example system in which embodiments may beimplemented.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings,similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless contextdictates otherwise. The illustrated embodiments described in thedetailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting.Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made,without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matterpresented here.

FIG. 1 and the following discussion are intended to provide a brief,general description of an environment in which embodiments may beimplemented. FIG. 1 illustrates an example system that includes a thincomputing device 20, which may be included in an electronic device thatalso includes a device functional element 50. For example, theelectronic device may include any item having electrical or electroniccomponents playing a role in a functionality of the item, such as alimited resource computing device, a wireless communication device, amobile wireless communication device, an electronic pen, a handheldelectronic writing device, a digital camera, a scanner, an ultrasounddevice, an x-ray machine, a non-invasive imaging device, a cell phone, aPDA, a Blackberry® device, a printer, a refrigerator, a car, and anairplane. In another example, the thin computing device may be includedin an implantable medical apparatus or device. In a further example, thethin computing device may be operable to communicate with an implantableor implanted medical apparatus.

The thin computing device 20 includes a processing unit 21, a systemmemory 22, and a system bus 23 that couples various system componentsincluding the system memory 22 to the processing unit 21. The system bus23 may be any of several types of bus structures including a memory busor memory controller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of avariety of bus architectures. The system memory includes read-onlymemory (ROM) 24 and random access memory (RAM) 25. A basic input/outputsystem (BIOS) 26, containing the basic routines that help to transferinformation between sub-components within the thin computing device 20,such as during start-up, is stored in the ROM 24. A number of programmodules may be stored in the ROM 24 or RAM 25, including an operatingsystem 28, one or more application programs 29, other program modules 30and program data 31.

A user may enter commands and information into the computing device 20through input devices, such as a number of switches and buttons,illustrated as hardware buttons 44, connected to the system via asuitable interface 45. Input devices may further include atouch-sensitive display with suitable input detection circuitry,illustrated as a display 32 and screen input detector 33. The outputcircuitry of the touch-sensitive display 32 is connected to the systembus 23 via a video driver 37. Other input devices may include amicrophone 34 connected through a suitable audio interface 35, and aphysical hardware keyboard (not shown). Output devices may include atleast one the display 32, or a projector display 36.

In addition to the display 32, the computing device 20 may include otherperipheral output devices, such as at least one speaker 38. Otherexternal input or output devices 39, such as a joystick, game pad,satellite dish, scanner or the like may be connected to the processingunit 21 through a USB port 40 and USB port interface 41, to the systembus 23. Alternatively, the other external input and output devices 39may be connected by other interfaces, such as a parallel port, game portor other port. The computing device 20 may further include or be capableof connecting to a flash card memory (not shown) through an appropriateconnection port (not shown). The computing device 20 may further includeor be capable of connecting with a network through a network port 42 andnetwork interface 43, and through wireless port 46 and correspondingwireless interface 47 may be provided to facilitate communication withother peripheral devices, including other computers, printers, and so on(not shown). It will be appreciated that the various components andconnections shown are examples and other components and means ofestablishing communication links may be used.

The computing device 20 may be primarily designed to include a userinterface. The user interface may include a character, a key-based, oranother user data input via the touch sensitive display 32. The userinterface may include using a stylus (not shown). Moreover, the userinterface is not limited to an actual touch-sensitive panel arranged fordirectly receiving input, but may alternatively or in addition respondto another input device such as the microphone 34. For example, spokenwords may be received at the microphone 34 and recognized.Alternatively, the computing device 20 may be designed to include a userinterface having a physical keyboard (not shown).

The device functional elements 50 are typically application specific andrelated to a function of the electronic device, and is coupled with thesystem bus 23 through an interface (not shown). The functional elementsmay typically perform a single well-defined task with little or no userconfiguration or setup, such as a refrigerator keeping food cold, a cellphone connecting with an appropriate tower and transceiving voice ordata information, a camera capturing and saving an image, orcommunicating with an implantable medical apparatus.

In certain instances, one or more elements of the thin computing device20 may be deemed not necessary and omitted. In other instances, one ormore other elements may be deemed necessary and added to the thincomputing device.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example embodiment of a general-purpose computingsystem in which embodiments may be implemented, shown as a computingsystem environment 100. Components of the computing system environment100 may include, but are not limited to, a computing device 110 having aprocessing unit 120, a system memory 130, and a system bus 121 thatcouples various system components including the system memory to theprocessing unit 120. The system bus 121 may be any of several types ofbus structures including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheralbus, and a local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. By wayof example, and not limitation, such architectures include IndustryStandard Architecture (ISA) bus, Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus,Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA)local bus, and Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus, also knownas Mezzanine bus.

The computing system environment 100 typically includes a variety ofcomputer-readable media products. Computer-readable media may includeany media that can be accessed by the computing device 110 and includeboth volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media.By way of example, and not of limitation, computer-readable media mayinclude computer storage media. By way of further example, and not oflimitation, computer-readable media may include a communication media.

Computer storage media includes volatile and nonvolatile, removable andnon-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storageof information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures,program modules, or other data. Computer storage media includes, but isnot limited to, random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM),electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flashmemory, or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks(DVD), or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape,magnetic disk storage, or other magnetic storage devices, or any othermedium which can be used to store the desired information and which canbe accessed by the computing device 110. In a further embodiment, acomputer storage media may include a group of computer storage mediadevices. In another embodiment, a computer storage media may include aninformation store. In another embodiment, an information store mayinclude a quantum memory, a photonic quantum memory, or atomic quantummemory. Combinations of any of the above may also be included within thescope of computer-readable media.

Communication media may typically embody computer-readable instructions,data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated datasignal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and includeany information delivery media. The term “modulated data signal” means asignal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed insuch a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example,and not limitation, communication media include wired media, such as awired network and a direct-wired connection, and wireless media such asacoustic, RF, optical, and infrared media.

The system memory 130 includes computer storage media in the form ofvolatile and nonvolatile memory such as ROM 131 and RAM 132. A RAM mayinclude at least one of a DRAM, an EDO DRAM, a SDRAM, a RDRAM, a VRAM,or a DDR DRAM. A basic input/output system (BIOS) 133, containing thebasic routines that help to transfer information between elements withinthe computing device 110, such as during start-up, is typically storedin ROM 131. RAM 132 typically contains data and program modules that areimmediately accessible to or presently being operated on by processingunit 120. By way of example, and not limitation, FIG. 2 illustrates anoperating system 134, application programs 135, other program modules136, and program data 137. Often, the operating system 134 offersservices to applications programs 135 by way of one or more applicationprogramming interfaces (APIs) (not shown). Because the operating system134 incorporates these services, developers of applications programs 135need not redevelop code to use the services. Examples of APIs providedby operating systems such as Microsoft's “WINDOWS” are well known in theart.

The computing device 110 may also include other removable/non-removable,volatile/nonvolatile computer storage media products. By way of exampleonly, FIG. 2 illustrates a non-removable non-volatile memory interface(hard disk interface) 140 that reads from and writes for example tonon-removable, non-volatile magnetic media. FIG. 2 also illustrates aremovable non-volatile memory interface 150 that, for example, iscoupled to a magnetic disk drive 151 that reads from and writes to aremovable, non-volatile magnetic disk 152, or is coupled to an opticaldisk drive 155 that reads from and writes to a removable, non-volatileoptical disk 156, such as a CD ROM. Other removable/nonremovable,volatile/non-volatile computer storage media that can be used in theexample operating environment include, but are not limited to, magnetictape cassettes, memory cards, flash memory cards, DVDs, digital videotape, solid state RAM, and solid state ROM. The hard disk drive 141 istypically connected to the system bus 121 through a non-removable memoryinterface, such as the interface 140, and magnetic disk drive 151 andoptical disk drive 155 are typically connected to the system bus 121 bya removable non-volatile memory interface, such as interface 150.

The drives and their associated computer storage media discussed aboveand illustrated in FIG. 2 provide storage of computer-readableinstructions, data structures, program modules, and other data for thecomputing device 110. In FIG. 2, for example, hard disk drive 141 isillustrated as storing an operating system 144, application programs145, other program modules 146, and program data 147. Note that thesecomponents can either be the same as or different from the operatingsystem 134, application programs 135, other program modules 136, andprogram data 137. The operating system 144, application programs 145,other program modules 146, and program data 147 are given differentnumbers here to illustrate that, at a minimum, they are differentcopies.

A user may enter commands and information into the computing device 110through input devices such as a microphone 163, keyboard 162, andpointing device 161, commonly referred to as a mouse, trackball, ortouch pad. Other input devices (not shown) may include at least one of atouch sensitive display, joystick, game pad, satellite dish, andscanner. These and other input devices are often connected to theprocessing unit 120 through a user input interface 160 that is coupledto the system bus, but may be connected by other interface and busstructures, such as a parallel port, game port, or a universal serialbus (USB).

A display 191, such as a monitor or other type of display device orsurface may be connected to the system bus 121 via an interface, such asa video interface 190. A projector display engine 192 that includes aprojecting element may be coupled to the system bus. In addition to thedisplay, the computing device 110 may also include other peripheraloutput devices such as speakers 197 and printer 196, which may beconnected through an output peripheral interface 195.

The computing system environment 100 may operate in a networkedenvironment using logical connections to one or more remote computers,such as a remote computer 180. The remote computer 180 may be a personalcomputer, a server, a router, a network PC, a peer device, or othercommon network node, and typically includes many or all of the elementsdescribed above relative to the computing device 110, although only amemory storage device 181 has been illustrated in FIG. 2. The networklogical connections depicted in FIG. 2 include a local area network(LAN) and a wide area network (WAN), and may also include other networkssuch as a personal area network (PAN) (not shown). Such networkingenvironments are commonplace in offices, enterprise-wide computernetworks, intranets, and the Internet.

When used in a networking environment, the computing system environment100 is connected to the network 171 through a network interface, such asthe network interface 170, the modem 172, or the wireless interface 193.The network may include a LAN network environment, or a WAN networkenvironment, such as the Internet. In a networked environment, programmodules depicted relative to the computing device 110, or portionsthereof, may be stored in a remote memory storage device. By way ofexample, and not limitation, FIG. 2 illustrates remote applicationprograms 185 as residing on computer medium 181. It will be appreciatedthat the network connections shown are examples and other means ofestablishing communication link between the computers may be used.

In certain instances, one or more elements of the computing device 110may be deemed not necessary and omitted. In other instances, one or moreother elements may be deemed necessary and added to the computingdevice.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example environment 200 in which embodiments maybe implemented. The example environment includes a mammal 205,illustrated by a human shape, and a system 203. The system includes asensor device 220, a signal generator 240, and a neuromodulation device260. The sensor device is configured to sense a property of the mammalwithout physically contacting the mammal. A gap between the sensordevice and the mammal is illustrated by a gap 209. In an embodiment, thesensor device includes a device that detects or measures a physicalproperty of the mammal. In an embodiment, the sensor device includes adevice that detects or measures a physical property of the mammal andrecords, indicates, or responds to it. In an embodiment, the sensordevice may include a sensor head 222, a sensor controller 224, or acommunications circuit 228. In an embodiment, the communications circuitmay be operable to communicate using an electrical conductor or using awireless transmission.

The signal generator 240 includes a signal generator configured togenerate a signal indicative of the sensed property of the mammal. In anembodiment, the signal may include a raw data signal, i.e., acapacitance measurement, a change in position of skin over artery in theneck, an acoustic pressure, or a brain electrical activity of the mammal205. In an embodiment, the signal generator may include a processorcircuit 242, a treatment regimen circuit 244, a treatment decisioncircuit 246, or a communications circuit 248. In an embodiment, thecommunications circuit may be operable to communicate using anelectrical conductor or using a wireless transmission. In an embodiment,the signal generator may include an instance of the thin computingdevice 20 and the processor circuit may be the processing unit 21, asdescribed in conjunction with FIG. 1. In an embodiment, the signalgenerator may include the computing device 110 and the processor circuitmay be the processor 120, as described in conjunction with FIG. 2. In anembodiment, the treatment regimen circuit 244 or the treatment decisioncircuit 246 can be included in any of the devices—it need not be only inthe signal generator 240.

The neuromodulation device 260 includes a neuromodulation deviceconfigured to output a stimulus operable to modulate a nervous systemcomponent of the mammal 207 in response to the signal indicative of thesensed property of the mammal 205 and generated by the signal generator240. In an embodiment, the signal indicative of the sensed property ofthe mammal may include a processed signal indicative of the sensedproperty of the mammal. The processed signal may include a signal thathas been subjected to a process including one or more of analyzing,sampling, correlating, filtering, modification, alteration, orconditioning by an intermediate device (not shown) after generation bythe signal generator and before receipt by the neuromodulation device.In an embodiment, the signal indicative of the sensed property of themammal may include a processed signal indicative of the sensed propertyof the mammal; the process including one or more of analyzing, sampling,correlating, filtering, modification, alteration, or conditioning by theneuromodulation device. In an embodiment, the stimulus includes astimulus operable to at least one of excite, stimulate, de-stimulate,block, inhibit, or augment the nervous system component. In anembodiment, the neuromodulation device may include a neuromodulationsource 262, a controller circuit 264, a processor circuit 266, or acommunications circuit 268. In an embodiment, the communications circuitmay be operable to communicate using an electrical conductor or using awireless transmission. In an embodiment, the neuromodulation device mayinclude an instance of the thin computing device 20 and the processorcircuit may be the processing unit 21, as described in conjunction withFIG. 1. The neuromodulation source may include an implantableneuromodulation source 262A operable to output a stimulus. In anembodiment, an implantable neuromodulation source includes an injectableneuromodulation source. In another embodiment, the neuromodulationsource may include a neuromodulation source configured to contact aperipheral portion (not shown) of the mammal and operable to output astimulus.

In an embodiment, the sensor device 220 includes a sensor arrayconfigured to sense a property of the mammal 205 without physicallycontacting the mammal. For example, the sensor array may include atleast two sensor heads 222. In an embodiment, the at least two sensorheads may include at least two sensor heads configured to sense the sameproperty of the animal. In an embodiment, the at least two sensor headsmay include sensor heads configured to sense different properties of theanimal. For example, one sensor head may be configured to sensetemperature, another sensor head configured to sense heart rate, and afurther sensor head configured to sense blood pressure. In anembodiment, the sensor device includes a sensor device responsive,without physically contacting the mammal, to an impedance, capacitance,permittivity, reflectivity, absorption, or electrical activity of themammal. For example, a sensor device including a capacitive proximitysensor element configured to sense a property of a mammal withoutphysically contacting the mammal is described in U.S. Patent ApplicationPub. No. 20080246495, Detection apparatus for a capacitive proximitysensor, to S. Zarabadi et al. For example, in an embodiment, areflection or reflectivity property may include an acoustic, light, orradio wave reflectivity. In an embodiment, the sensor device includes asensor device responsive to the property of a mammal without physicallycontacting the mammal. In an embodiment, the sensor device includes asensor device configured to sense a property of a mammal withoutphysically contacting the mammal. In an embodiment, the propertyincludes a property of the mammal indicative of a disease, neurologicaldisease, disorder, nervous system disorder, heart rhythm, heart disease,medical condition, treatable condition, health condition, physiologicalcharacteristic, or sleep disorder. In an embodiment, the sensor deviceincludes a sensor device configured to sense at least one of a qualityor attribute of a mammal without physically contacting the mammal.

In an embodiment, the sensor device 220 includes a sensor deviceconfigured to sense a physiological property of the mammal 205 withoutphysically contacting the mammal. In an embodiment, the sensor deviceincludes a sensor device configured to sense a physiological aspect of amammal without physically contacting the mammal. In an embodiment, thesensor device includes a sensor device configured to sense a corporealproperty or a physical property of a mammal without physicallycontacting the mammal. In an embodiment, the sensor device includes asensor device configured to sense a dynamic physical property of themammal without physically contacting the mammal. For example, a dynamicphysical property may include a property of a pulse rate measured overtime, such as four, ten, or twenty-four hours. In another example, adynamic physical property may include a pupil diameter measured overtime. In an embodiment, the sensor device includes a sensor deviceconfigured to sense a bodily condition or physiological state propertyof a mammal without physically touching the mammal. For example, abodily condition or physiological state property may include a conditionor state of the body or bodily functions. In an embodiment, the sensordevice includes a sensor device configured to sense a bodily conditionor physiological state property of a fetus. For example, the sensordevice may include a sensor device configured to sense a fetal heartrate. In an embodiment, the sensor device includes a sensor deviceconfigured to scan the gap 209 between the sensor and the mammal. In anembodiment, the sensor device includes a sensor device configured toprogressively scan a space in which the mammal may be present. In anembodiment, the sensor device includes a sensor device configured tomonitor a property of a mammal without physically contacting the mammal.For example, a sensor device configured to monitor a property mayinclude a sensor device configured to observe or check the propertyperiodically. For example, the sensor device may observe a property onceeach five minutes, or the sensor device may enter a sleep mode to besubsequently awakened on receipt of a command.

In an embodiment, the sensor device 220 includes a sensor deviceconfigured for an association with the mammal 205 and to sense aproperty of the mammal without physically contacting the mammal. In anembodiment of this sensor device, the sensor device may include a sensordevice configured for a physical association with a mammal and to sensea property of the mammal without physically contacting the mammal. Forexample, the sensor device may be configured for an association with achair, a pillow, or a gurney. In an embodiment of this sensor device,the sensor device may include a sensor device configured for a physicalassociation with an article of clothing or garment wearable by a mammaland to sense a property of the mammal without physically contacting themammal. In an embodiment of this sensor device, the sensor device mayinclude a sensor device configured for a physical association with anobject wearable by a mammal and to sense a property of the mammalwithout physically contacting the mammal. For example, the sensor devicemay be configured for a physical association with eye glasses orjewelry. For example, a sensor device configured for a physicalassociation with an object wearable by a mammal is described by U.S.Patent Application Pub. No. 20060058694, Electrodynamic sensors andapplications thereof, to T. Clark et al.; WO 2003/048789, Electrodynamicsensors and applications thereof, by T. D. Clark et al.; or C. J.Harland et al., High resolution ambulatory electrocardiographicmonitoring using wrist-mounted electric potential sensors, 14 Meas. Sci.Technol. 923-928 (2003).

FIG. 4 illustrates another example of the environment 200. Theenvironment includes a head 206 of the mammal 205 wearing eyeglasses290. The eyeglasses include lens 296 and earpiece 292. Example sensordevices 222B1 and 222B2 are illustrated as physically associated withthe earpiece. In an embodiment of this sensor device, the sensor devicemay include a sensor device configured for carrying by a mammal and tosense a property of the mammal without physically contacting the mammal.For example, the sensor device may include an electrodynamic senor, suchas described by U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. 20060058694, supra. Theeyeglasses also include a communications circuit 297.

The eyeglasses 205 further include a retaining strap 294. An exampleneuromodulation source is illustrated as physically associated with theretaining strap. The neuromodulation source is illustrated asneuromodulation sources 262A1 and 262A2 physically associated with theretaining strap. In an embodiment, the neuromodulation sources 262A1 and262A2 either in combination or each respectively include an externalcontrol module physically associated with the retaining strap and ascalp-mounted electrode and/or an implanted electrode (not shown). Forexample, a neuromodulation source including an external control module,and a scalp-mounted electrode and/or an implanted control module andelectrode is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,016,449, System for treatmentof neurological disorders, to R. E. Fishell et al. For example, aneuromodulation source including an external stimulator and an implantedstimulus receiver including an electrode is described in U.S. Patent No.Application Pub. No. 20070067004, Methods and systems for modulating thevagus nerve (10^(th) cranial nerve) to provide therapy for neurologicaland neuropsychiatric disorders, by B. R. Boveja et al. For example, aneuromodulation source including an external control module and anonimplanted transcranial magnetic stimulator is described in U.S.Patent Application Pub. No. 20070179558, Systems and methods for varyingelectromagnetic and adjunctive neural therapies, by B. Gliner et al.

Returning to FIG. 3, in an embodiment, the sensor device 220 includes asensor device configured for an association with an object and to sensea property of the mammal 205 without physically contacting the mammal.For example, the object may include a substantially fixed object. Forexample, the object may include a chair, table, bed, or gurney. Forexample, the object may include an object locatable in a space where themammal is present and free to move. In an embodiment, the sensor deviceincludes a sensor device configured for a mounted, placed, integrated,or embedded association with an object and to sense a property of amammal without physically contacting the mammal. For example, the objectmay include a wall, chair, or pillow. In an embodiment, the sensordevice includes a sensor device configured for an association with anobject, and configured to sense a property of a mammal while separatedfrom a direct contact with the mammal by an intervening material orsubstance. For example, the object may include a substantially fixedobject. For example, the sensor device may be separated from a directcontact with the mammal by an intervening material or substance formingthe gap 209 schematically illustrated in FIG. 3. For example, the sensordevice may be configured to sense a property of a mammal while spacedapart by the gap from a direct contact with the mammal by an interveningmaterial or substance. For example, the separation or gap between thesensor device and the mammal may be formed by a portion of a chair(including a chair support structure or a fabric covering the chair),gurney, pillow, bedding, or clothing worn by mammal. For example, in anembodiment, the intervening material or substance may include anintervening material or substance permitting the sensor device to sensea property of a mammal. For example, in an embodiment, the interveningmaterial or substance may include an intervening non-conductive materialor substance permitting the senor device to sense a property of amammal. In an embodiment, the intervening material or substance does notinclude a conducting substance, such as an ultrasound gel or anelectrically conductive material. An example of a sensor deviceconfigured for an association with an object, and configured to sense abioelectric field or a bioelectric signal of a mammal while separatedfrom a direct contact with the mammal by an intervening material orsubstance is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,245,956, Unobtrusivemeasurement system for bioelectric signals, to R. Matthews et al.

In an embodiment, the sensor device 220 includes a sensor deviceconfigured to sense a property of the mammal 205 without physicallytouching the mammal. In an embodiment, the sensor device includes asensor device configured to sense a property of a mammal without aresistive contact with the mammal. In an embodiment, the sensor deviceincludes a sensor device configured to sense a property of a mammalwithout an electrically conductive contact with the mammal. In anembodiment, the sensor device includes a sensor device configured tosense a property of a mammal across a non-electrically conductive gap209 with the mammal. In an embodiment, the sensor device includes anelectrodynamic sensor device configured to sense an electrical activityof the heart of a mammal without physically contacting the mammal. Forexample, the electrodynamic sensor may be configured to sense a heartrate, electrical activity of the heart, such as electrocardiography(ECG), or conductivity. An example of an high input impedanceelectrodynamic sensor device configured to sense an electrical activityof a heart of a mammal without physically contacting the mammal isdescribed in U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. 20060058694; WO2003/048789, supra; Electrodynamic sensors and applications thereof, toT. Clark et al. In an embodiment, the sensor device includes an adaptiveelectric potential sensor device configured to sense a property of amammal without physically contacting the mammal. An example of anadaptive electric potential sensor device configured to sense a propertyof a mammal without physically contacting the mammal is described in R.L. Prance et al., Adaptive Electric Potential Sensors for smart signalacquisition and processing, 76 Journal of Physics: Conference Series,012025 (2007). In an embodiment, the sensor device includes an electricpotential probe sensor device configured to sense a property of a mammalwithout physically contacting the mammal. An example of an electricpotential probe sensor device configured to sense a body electricalactivity or signals, such as for example arterial pulse or other bodyelectrodynamics, of a mammal without physically contacting the mammal isdescribed in C. J. Harland et al., Electric potential probes-newdirections in the remote sensing of the human body, 13 Meas. Sci. Tech.163-169 (2002). In an embodiment, the sensor device 220 and the signalgenerator 240 share at least a portion of a common chassis. In anembodiment, the sensor device and the signal generator do not share acommon chassis.

In an embodiment, the sensor device 220 of FIG. 3 includes a sensordevice configured to sense at least one of an electrical, acoustic,thermal, radiative, absorption, reflection, gaseous emission, ortransmissibility property of the mammal without physically contactingthe mammal. In an embodiment, a thermal property may include an infraredmeasured thermal property. In an embodiment, a thermal property mayinclude microwave length (3-30 cm) electromagnetic radiation naturallyemitted by the mammal, for example, as described in V. Troitskii et al.,Intrinsic microwave radiation from the human body, RadiophysicsScientific-Research Institute (Translated from Izvestiya VysshtkhUchebnykh Zavedenii, Radiofizilm, Vol. 24, No. 1, pp. 118-121, January,1981. For example, a sensor device configured to sense a thermalproperty of the mammal includes a microwave radiometer operable tomeasure natural electromagnetic radiation from the mammal's internaltissue in the microwave range. In an embodiment, the microwaveradiometer may be combined with an infrared sensor as described in R.Avagyan et al., New diagnostic methods in acupuncture, ICMART '99International Medical Acupuncture Symposium 7, Riga, (May 21-23, 1999).See also, Pub. No. WO 2006/091123 (PCT/RU2006/000072), Microwave radiothermograph, to V. Hokkanen. For example, a transmissibility propertymay include a light or radio wave transmissibility property. Forexample, in an embodiment, a radiative property may include gammas orother types of radiation emitted by the body of the mammal itself, forexample potassium 40. An embodiment of a gamma-ray sensor deviceconfigured to sense a property of a mammal without physically contactingthe mammal is expected to be provided by the Radtell™ passive gamma-raysensor by Oak Ridge National Laboratory of Oak Ridge, Tenn.

In an embodiment, the signal generator 240 is further configured todetermine if treatment is indicated in response to the sensed propertyof the mammal. In an embodiment, another device may be configured todetermine if treatment is indicated, and to output that determination tothe signal generator. The signal generator is also configured, if atreatment is indicated, to output a signal indicative of the sensedproperty of the mammal.

In an embodiment, the neuromodulation device 260 of FIG. 3 includes aneuromodulation device configured for implantation in the mammal 205,for example, such as illustrated by implantable neuromodulation source262A. In an embodiment, the neuromodulation device includes aneuromodulation device configured for implantation in the mammal. Theneuromodulation device is also configured to output a stimulus operableto modulate a nervous system component 207 of the mammal in response tothe signal indicative of the sensed property of the mammal. In anembodiment, the neuromodulation device includes a neuromodulation deviceconfigured for a physical contact with the mammal. The neuromodulationdevice is also configured to output a stimulus operable to modulate anervous system component of the mammal in response to the signalindicative of the sensed property of the mammal. In an embodiment, theneuromodulation device includes a neuromodulation device configured fora physical association with the mammal. The neuromodulation device isalso configured to output a stimulus operable to modulate a nervoussystem component of the mammal in response to the signal indicative ofthe sensed property of the mammal. In an embodiment, the neuromodulationdevice includes a neuromodulation device configured for a positioningproximate to the mammal. The neuromodulation device is also configuredto output a stimulus operable to modulate a nervous system component ofthe mammal in response to the signal indicative of the sensed propertyof the mammal.

In an embodiment, the neuromodulation device 260 of FIG. 3 includes aneuromodulation device configured to output an ultrasonic stimulusoperable to modulate a nervous system component of the mammal inresponse to the signal indicative of the sensed property of the mammal.A system and method employing ultrasonic stimulation is described inU.S. Patent Application Pub. No. 20070191906, Method and apparatus forselective nerve stimulation, by A. Iyer et al.; W. Tyler et al., RemoteExcitation of Neuronal Circuits Using Low-Intensity, Low-FrequencyUltrasound, 3(10) PLoS ONE e3511 (2008). In an embodiment, theneuromodulation device includes a neuromodulation device configured tooutput an ultrasonic wave stimulus in a presence of a magnetic fieldthat is operable to modulate a nervous system component of the mammal inresponse to the signal indicative of the sensed property of the mammal.A system and method employing an ultrasonic wave stimulus in a presenceof a magnetic field is described in S. Norton, Can ultrasound be used tostimulate nerve tissue? BioMedical Engineering OnLine (Mar. 4, 2003).

In an embodiment, the neuromodulation device 260 includes aneuromodulation device configured to output a magnetic stimulus operableto modulate a nervous system component of the mammal in response to thesignal indicative of the sensed property of the mammal, for example toprovide transcranial stimulation to a nervous system component. A systemand method employing transcranial magnetic stimulation is described inU.S. Patent Application Pub. No. 20070179558, supra; and M. Massimini etal., Triggering sleep slow waves by transcranial magnetic stimulation,104(20) PNAS 8496 (May 2007).

In an embodiment, the neuromodulation device 260 includes aneuromodulation circuit configured to output a stimulus operable tomodulate a nervous system component 207 of the mammal 205 in response tothe signal indicative of the sensed property of the mammal. In anembodiment, the neuromodulation device includes a neuromodulationmechanism configured to output a stimulus operable to modulate a nervoussystem component of the mammal in response to the signal indicative ofthe sensed property of the mammal. In an embodiment, the neuromodulationdevice includes a neuromodulation device configured to output a stimulusoperable to modulate a central nervous system component, a sensorynerve, a motor nerve, an autonomic nervous system component, or anenteric nervous system component of the mammal in response to the signalindicative of the sensed property of the mammal.

In an embodiment, the neuromodulation device 260 includes aneuromodulation device configured to output a stimulus operable tomodulate a neurotransmitter-releasing component of the nervous system ofthe mammal in response to the signal indicative of the sensed propertyof the mammal. In an embodiment, the neuromodulation device includes aneuromodulation device configured to output a stimulus operable tomodulate a nervous system component of the mammal in response to thesignal indicative of the sensed property of the mammal. In anembodiment, the stimulus if delivered to the mammal is configured toexcite, stimulate, enhance, alter, mediate, modify, inhibit, block,negate, or augment the nervous system component of the mammal. In anembodiment, the neuromodulation device includes a neuromodulation deviceconfigured to output a stimulus operable to at least one of excite,stimulate, enhance, alter, mediate, modify, inhibit, block, negate, oraugment an aspect of the nervous system of the mammal in response to thesignal indicative of the sensed property of the mammal. In anembodiment, the stimulus includes a stimulus operable to directly orindirectly affect a signal sent from or via a nerve.

In an embodiment, the mammal 205 includes a fetus. In an embodiment, themammal includes a human being. In an embodiment, the human beingincludes a fetus. In an embodiment, the mammal includes a livingorganism that is distinguished from plants by independent movement andresponsive sense organs.

In an embodiment, a system described herein, such as the system 203described herein, or a method described herein, may be used to treat ahealth condition affecting the heart of the mammal 205. In an embodimentthe sensor device 220 may sense heartbeat intervals and ECG readingsremotely by measuring small electrical potentials using a high inputimpedance electrometer. An example of such a sensor device is describedin U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. 20060058694, supra; WO 2003/048789,supra; Harland, Meas. Sci. Technol., supra; Prance, 2007 Journal ofPhysics: Conference Series, supra. Such sensor devices are expected toprovide noninvasive and remote monitoring. In an embodiment, the sensordevice 220 may be worn by the mammal in or on clothing or jewelry, suchas in wrist bands, and may be in non-conductive contact with the body.For example, as described by U.S. Patent Application Pub. No.20060058694, supra; WO 2003/048789, supra; C. J. Harland et al., Highresolution ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring usingwrist-mounted electric potential sensors, 14 Meas. Sci. Technol. 923-928(2003). In an embodiment, the sensor device 220 may be included in orassociated with a piece of furniture, such as a chair or desk, orelectronics such as a personal computer, or with some other item within,e.g., one meter from the mammal. In an embodiment, the sensor device 220able to measure electric potentials may be embedded in objects, such asa bed or chair, in direct but non-conductive contact with the mammal.For example, as described by U.S. Pat. No. 7,245,956, supra. In anembodiment, the sensor device 220 may sense heartbeat intervals andelectrocardiographic information by examining physiologic activity ofthe mammal or its organs and may be operable to sense a property of themammal 205 in response to an electromagnetic signal sent at orilluminating the mammal and reflected from the mammal. In an embodiment,the illuminating may include exposing, subjecting, or directing energyat the mammal. Systems using illuminating or reflected electromagneticsignals, including radiofrequency (RF) or microwave signals, aredescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,272,431, Remote-sensing method and deviceto W. McGrath; U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. 20040123667,Remote-sensing method and device, by W. McGrath; or U.S. PatentApplication Pub. No. 20080045832, Remote-sensing method and device, byW. McGrath. In an embodiment, one or more sensor device 220, which maybe or include a sensor array, may be deployed, for example, throughout aroom, perhaps as part of a smart room network, so as to monitor themammal at rest or in motion.

In an embodiment, information gathered by the sensor device 220 andprocessed by the signal generator 240 may be communicated to a computer.In an embodiment, information may be communicated to a computer of thesystem electronically. In an embodiment, information may be communicatedto a computer of the system wirelessly, for example using radio waves orultrasound waves, or Bluetooth technology. In an embodiment, a computer,such as the thin computing device 20 described in conjunction with FIG.1 or the computing device 110 described in conjunction with FIG. 2 maybe used to process the information. The computer may be part of anetwork. The processing may include application of a computer program orinput from a user, for example the mammal or a health care provider. Ifobservations are determined by the computer or user to constitute apathology, the system 203 or user can initiate a neuromodulationtreatment.

In an embodiment, a system described herein, such as the system 203described herein, or a method described herein, may be used to provide aneuromodulation, such as a neuromodulation current, to a vagus nerve orrelated fiber by the neuromodulation source 262, which may initiate astimulating action potential; in some forms the neuromodulation mayblock an action potential. In an embodiment, the system 203 may providea stimulus or blocking neuromodulation to a vagal nerve. In anembodiment, the neuromodulation device 260 may be configured to bepartially or completely implanted. In an embodiment, a neuromodulationdevice 260 may be responsive to instructions transmitted from a computeror via network. In an embodiment, the instructions may be generated bythe treatment regimen circuit 244 or the treatment decision circuit 246.In an embodiment, at least a portion of an implantable neuromodulationdevice 260, such as the neuromodulation source 262, may be placed withina blood vessel near a nerve and able to stimulate the nerve. Forexample, as described in U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. 20050187584,Vagal nerve stimulation using vascular implanted devices for treatmentof atrial fibrillation, by S. Denker et al.; or U.S. Patent ApplicationPub. No. 20060259085, Neural stimulation system with pulmonary arterylead, by Y. Zhang.

In an embodiment, a treatment may include a computer or networkprogrammable to communicate instructions wirelessly with one or morepartial or completely implanted neuromodulation devices 260. In anembodiment, a treatment may include the computer or network responsiveto commands from the user through a user input interface, such as a userinterface of the thin computing device described in conjunction withFIG. 1, or a user interface such as the user interface 160 described inconjunction with FIG. 2. In an embodiment, the computer may provide anindicator, such as an audio or visual indicator or a report to themammal, or provide instructions to the mammal or a third-party user ofthe computer. In an embodiment, a computing device, having processed theinformation from the remote sensor device 220 or signal generator 240 aspart of its programming or as instructed to do so by a user, may sendout a radio signal to a receiver, such as the communication circuit 268,associated with the implantable neuromodulation source. For example, asdescribed in U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. 20070191906, Method andApparatus for Selective Nerve Stimulation, by A. Iyer.

In an embodiment, a system described herein, such as the system 203described in conjunction with FIG. 3, or a method described herein, suchas the operational flow 300 described in conjunction with FIG. 5, mayutilize a type of neuromodulation device in which a portion, such as acontroller, illustrated in FIG. 3 as the external controller circuit264A, may be external to the body of the mammal 205 and electronicallycoupled with the computer or network. In an embodiment, the externalcontroller circuit may be a transcutaneous controller. In an embodiment,the external controller circuit may be programmed to accept informationor instructions from the computer, network, or remote detector and, inresponse to transmit a signal to the implantable neuromodulation source262A, which then stimulates or blocks a vagus nerve or fiber. In anembodiment, a wireless transmission to an external controller circuit264A may also serve as a means of powering an implantableneuromodulation source such as the implantable neuromodulation source262A.

In an embodiment, a system described herein, such as the system 203, ora method described herein, may use the neuromodulation device 260 withat least two capabilities. The neuromodulation device may provide two ormore similar or different stimuli separated temporally. Theneuromodulation device may provide a second signal that influences afirst signal or its effects. Examples of such capabilities are describedin U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. 20080091241, Vagal stimulation forcardioversion of atrial fibrillation, by O. Ben-Ezra et al; U.S. PatentApplication Pub. No. 20080125825, Therapeutic maintenance of atrialfibrillation by electrical stimulation, by T. David; U.S. PatentApplication Pub. No. 20040193231, Selective nerve fiber stimulation fortreating heart conditions, by T. David; U.S. Patent Application Pub. No.20080125827, Selective nerve fiber stimulation for treating heartconditions, by T. David; U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. 20060271115,Vagal stimulation for anti-embolic therapy, by O. Ben-Ezra et al; orU.S. Pat. No. 7,321,793, Vagal stimulation for atrial fibrillationtherapy, by O. Ben-Ezra et al. In an embodiment, a computer may beprogrammed to continue monitoring via the remote sensor device 220 andthe signal generator 240, and may send different or additionalinstructions to the neuromodulation device. In an embodiment, additionalneuromodulation devices 260 may be used to affect additional nerves,e.g. such as efferent or afferent to the vagus nerves, sympatheticnerves, myogenic tissue, or myocardial tissue. In an embodiment,monitoring the mammal 205 via the sensor device 220 may continue duringand following treatment, and the treatment may be adjusted accordinglyas determined by a computer program or a user input. In an embodiment,the neuromodulation device, perhaps as part of the controller 264, mayreport information to a computer regarding the neuromodulation treatmentprovided, for example the type and duration of stimulation applied to avagus nerve.

In an embodiment, a system, such as the system 203 described herein, ora method described herein, may be used to treat a sleep disorder or aneffect thereof In an embodiment, the sensor device 220 may include apupillometer. An example of a pupillometer sensor device using a cameraor infrared optics is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,097,295, Apparatusfor determining the alertness of a driver, to M. Griesinger et al.; orU.S. Pat. No. 7,226,164, Method and apparatus for testing sleepiness, toM. Griesinger et al. In an embodiment, a sensor device including apupillometer may be incorporated into a computer monitor or thedashboard of a vehicle. In an embodiment, a sensor device may beconfigured to scan the pupils of an individual facing the monitor ordashboard, perhaps at programmed intervals.

In an embodiment, the sensor device 220 may be configured to obtainelectroencephalography (EEG) readings by measuring small electricalpotentials using a high input impedance electrometer. Examples using oneor more sensor devices and technologies are described in U.S. PatentApplication Pub. No. 20060058694 supra; WO 2003/048789, supra; C. J.Harland et al, Remote detection of human electroencephalograms usingultrahigh input impedance electric potential sensors 81(17) Appl. Phys.Letters, 3284-3286 (2002); or R. J. Prance et al., Adaptive ElectricPotential Sensors for smart signal acquisition and processing, 76Journal of Physics: Conference Series 012025 (2007).

In an embodiment, the sensor device 220 may include an electromagneticinductance sensor device. An example of an electromagnetic inductancesensor device is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,254,439, Method and systemfor contactless evaluation offatigue of an operator, to D. Misczynski.In an embodiment, the sensor device 220 may include an electromagneticsignal sensor device may be used. An example of an electromagneticsignal sensor device is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,272,431,Remote-sensing method and device, to W. McGrath; U.S. Patent ApplicationPub. No. 20040123667, supra; or U.S. Patent Application Pub. No.20080045832, supra. In an embodiment, one or more sensor device 220 maybe arranged as an array, embedded in a number of items, or within adefined area, for example a vehicle or room.

In an embodiment, the implantable neuromodulation device 260 may includeof multiple electrodes, which in some embodiments may be quite small.For example, see U.S. Pat. No. 5,540,734, Cranial nerve stimulationtreatments using neurocybernetic prosthesis, to J. Zabara; or U.S. Pat.No. 7,167,751, Method of using a fully implantable miniatureneurostimulator for vagus nerve stimulation, to T. Whitehurst et al. Inan embodiment, the implantable neuromodulation device 260 may be asubcutaneous injectable neuromodulation device. Examples of subcutaneousinjectable neuromodulation sources include the SAINT™ system byMicroTransponder of Dallas, Tex., which is described as including anarrangement of injectable neuromotransponder devices and eliminating anyimplantable battery or wires. MicroTransponder's SAINT systemneuromotransponder devices are injectable with a 12-gauge needle in anoutpatient procedure. MicroTransponder describes that its SAINT systemwill be coupled to an external controller, which can be worn like anarmband; and will provide the power and stimulus parameters for thedevice. The external controller will be able to interface with a laptopor PDA in order to change the stimulus parameters to better treat thepatient's pain profile. An example of injectable microtransponders isdescribed in http://www.microtransponder.com/technology/index.html(accessed May 18, 2009); Tiny Implants for Treating Chronic Pain,Technology Review (May 15, 2009)http://www.technologyreview.com/biomedicine/22657/?nlid=2032 (accessedMay 18, 2009); U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. 20090157147 ImplantableTransponder Systems and Methods by L. Cauller and R. Weine; and U.S.Pub. App. No. 20080319506, Grooved electrode and wirelessmicrotransponder system, by L. Cauller.

In an embodiment, a system described herein, such as the system 203, ora method described herein, may include modulating the autonomic nervoussystem. In an embodiment, the system or method may provide a treatmentthat includes stimulating or inhibiting the autonomic nervous system viaa nerve pathway or by stimulating the spinal cord via an implanted ortranscutaneous device. An example is described in U.S. Pat. No.7,149,574, Treatment of conditions through electrical modulation of theautonomic nervous system, to A. Yun et al.; or U.S. Pat. No. 7,155,278,Neurostimulation to treat effects of sleep apnea, to G. King et al. Inan embodiment the system or method may provide a treatment that mayinclude stimulation of a targeted nerve such as the phrenic nerve asdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,340,302, Treating sleep apnea in patientsusing phrenic nerve stimulation, to E. Falkenberg et al., perhaps todirectly affect a physiologic system such as respiration.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example operational flow 300. After a startoperation, the operational flow includes a remote detection operation310. The remote detection operation includes sensing a property of amammal without physically contacting the mammal. In an embodiment, theremote detection operation may be implemented using the sensor device220 described in conjunction with FIG. 3. A mammal information operation330 includes generating an electronic signal indicative of the sensedproperty of the mammal. In an embodiment, the mammal informationoperation may be implemented using the neuromodulation device 260described in conjunction with FIG. 3. A treatment operation 350 includesmodulating a nervous system component of the mammal in response to theelectronic signal indicative of a property of the mammal. In anembodiment, the modulating a nervous system component of the mammal inresponse to the electronic signal indicative of a property of the mammalincludes substantially transforming a physiological aspect of the mammalby modulating a nervous system component of the mammal in response tothe electronic signal indicative of a property of the mammal. In anembodiment, the substantially transforming a physiological aspect of themammal may include firing an extra neuron, causing a cascade of neurons,increasing or decreasing a pulse rate, reducing an abnormal heartrhythm, stopping a seizure, or effecting a cellular activity. In anembodiment, the treatment operation may be implemented using theneuromodulation device 260 described in conjunction with FIG. 3. Theoperational flow includes an end operation.

FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the operational flow 300of FIG. 5. The treatment operation 350 may include at least oneadditional operation. The at least one additional operation may includean operation 352, an operation 354, or an operation 356. The operation352 includes modulating a nervous system component of the mammalsufficiently to transform a physiological characteristic of the mammalin response to the electronic signal indicative of a property of themammal. In an embodiment, “sufficiently to transform a physiologicalcharacteristic of the mammal” may include a treatment of a disease,disorder, or condition sufficiently to transform a physiologicalcharacteristic of the mammal. The operation 354 includes modulating anervous system component of the mammal to a preselected state inresponse to the electronic signal indicative of a property of themammal. The operation 356 includes electronically modulating a nervoussystem component of the mammal in response to the electronic signalindicative of a property of the mammal.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example apparatus 400. The apparatus includesmeans 410 for sensing a property of a mammal without physicallycontacting the mammal. The apparatus also includes means 420 forgenerating an electronic signal indicative of the sensed property of themammal. The apparatus includes means 430 for modulating a nervous systemcomponent of the mammal in response to the electronic signal indicativeof a property of the mammal.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example environment 500. The environment includesa system 503. The system includes a sensor device 520 configured tosense a property of a subject mammal 201 without physically contactingthe subject mammal. The system includes a signal generator 540configured to generate a signal indicative of the sensed property of thesubject mammal. The system includes a patient confirmation device 580configured to determine a substantial likeness between the subjectmammal and a patient mammal, illustrated as the mammal 205, andsometimes referred to herein as the patient mammal 205. In anembodiment, a substantial likeness includes a substantial similarity. Inan embodiment, a substantial likeness includes an identicality. Thesystem includes a neuromodulation device 560 configured to output astimulus operable to modulate a nervous system component of the patientmammal. The stimulus is selected in response to the signal indicative ofthe sensed property of the subject mammal. The stimulus is output onlyif the patient confirmation device determines a substantial likenessbetween the subject mammal and the patient mammal. In an embodiment, theneuromodulation device is configured to contact or touch the patientmammal. In an embodiment, at least a portion of the neuromodulationdevice is configured for implantation in the patient mammal, such asillustrated by implantable neuromodulation source 562A.

In an embodiment, the patient confirmation device 580 includes a patientconfirmation device configured to determine a substantially commonquality or aspect of the subject mammal and the patient mammal. Forexample, a substantially common quality or aspect may be indicated by afacial recognition algorithm. For example, a substantially commonquality or aspect may be indicated by a substantially common physicalprofile, such as height, weight, age, or sex. For example, asubstantially common quality or aspect may be indicated by a biometrictechnique. In an embodiment, the patient confirmation device includes apatient confirmation device operable to determine that the subjectmammal and a patient mammal have a substantial probability of being thesame mammal. For example, a substantial probability of being the samemammal may include an absence of any another mammal in a space in whichthe patient mammal is present. For example, a substantial probability ofbeing the same mammal may include absence of any another mammal in asensing range of the sensor device 520. For example, a substantialprobability of being the same mammal may include a proximity between thesensor device and the neuromodulation device 560. In an embodiment, thepatient confirmation device includes a patient confirmation deviceoperable to determine a selfsameness between the subject mammal and apatient mammal. For example, a selfsameness between the subject mammaland a patient mammal may include receipt of identifying information froman RFID tag associated with the patient mammal.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example operational flow 600. After a startoperation, the operational flow includes a remote detection operation610. The remote detection operation includes sensing a property of asubject mammal without physically contacting the subject mammal. In anembodiment, the remote detection operation may be implemented using thesensor device 520 described in conjunction with FIG. 8. A mammalinformation operation 620 includes generating an electronic signalindicative of the sensed property of the subject mammal. In anembodiment, the mammal information operation may be implemented usingthe signal generator 540 described in conjunction with FIG. 8. Aconfirmation operation 630 includes determining a substantial likenessbetween the subject mammal and a patient mammal. In an embodiment, theconfirmation operation may be implemented using the patient confirmationdevice 580 described in conjunction with FIG. 8. A treatment operation640 includes outputting a neuromodulation treatment regimen to a nervoussystem component of the patient mammal. The neuromodulation treatmentregimen determined in response to the signal indicative of the sensedproperty of the subject mammal. The neuromodulation treatment regimen isoutputted only if a substantial likeness between the subject mammal andthe patient mammal is determined. In an embodiment, the treatmentoperation may be implemented using the neuromodulation device 560described in conjunction with FIG. 8. In an embodiment, the treatmentoperation 640 includes substantially transforming a physiological aspectof the patient animal by outputting the neuromodulation treatmentregimen to a nervous system component of the patient mammal. Theoperational flow includes an end operation.

In an embodiment, a neuromodulation treatment regimen may include anoutputted ultrasound waveform having a frequency, amplitude, orduration. In an embodiment, a neuromodulation treatment regimen mayinclude an outputted electrical current having a frequency, amplitude,or duration. In an embodiment, a neuromodulation treatment regimen mayinclude an outputted stimulus having a frequency, amplitude, orduration. In an embodiment, a neuromodulation treatment regimen mayinclude at least two instances of an outputted stimulus, each instancehaving a respective frequency, amplitude, or duration. In an embodiment,a neuromodulation treatment regimen may include at least two respectiveinstances of outputted stimulus, each instance having a frequency,amplitude, or duration. In an embodiment, a neuromodulation treatmentregimen may include at least two sequential respective instances of anoutputted stimulus, each instance having a different frequency,amplitude, or duration.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example apparatus 700. The apparatus includesmeans 710 for sensing a property of a subject mammal without physicallycontacting the subject mammal. The apparatus includes means 720 forgenerating an electronic signal indicative of the sensed property of thesubject mammal. The apparatus includes means 730 for determining asubstantial likeness between the subject mammal and a patient mammal.The apparatus includes means 740 for outputting a neuromodulationtreatment regimen to a nervous system component of the patient mammal.The neuromodulation treatment regimen is determined in response to thesignal indicative of the sensed property of the subject mammal. Theneuromodulation treatment regimen is outputted only if a substantiallikeness between the subject mammal and the patient mammal isdetermined.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example environment 800. The example environmentincludes a system 803. The system includes a sensor device 820configured to sense a property of the mammal 205 without physicallycontacting the mammal. In an embodiment, the sensor device may include asensor head 822, a sensor controller 824, a communications circuit 828,or other circuit(s) 829. The system includes a signal generator 840configured to generate a signal indicative of the sensed property of themammal. The signal generator may include a processor circuit 842, an A/Dsignal converter circuit 844, a sensor data storage circuit 846, acommunications circuit 848, or other circuit(s) 849. In an embodiment,the signal generator may include an instance of the thin computingdevice 20 and the processor circuit may be the processing unit 21, asdescribed in conjunction with FIG. 1. In an embodiment, the signalgenerator may include the computing device 110 and the processor circuitmay be the processor 120, as described in conjunction with FIG. 2.

The system 803 includes a treatment decision device 880 configured todetermine in response to the signal indicative of the sensed property ofthe mammal 205 a neuromodulation treatment regimen for administration toa nervous system component 207 of the mammal. In an embodiment, thetreatment decision device may include a determination circuit 882, aprocessor circuit 884, a computer-readable medium, a communicationscircuit 888, or other circuit(s) 889. In an embodiment, the treatmentdecision device may include an instance of the thin computing device 20and the processor circuit may be the processing unit 21, as described inconjunction with FIG. 1. In an embodiment, the treatment decision devicemay include the computing device 110 and the processor circuit may bethe processor 120, as described in conjunction with FIG. 2. Thecomputer-readable medium is configured to maintain and to provide accessto information corresponding to the determined neuromodulation treatmentregimen. In an embodiment, the computer-readable medium includes thecomputer-readable medium 886 associated with the treatment decisiondevice. In another embodiment, the computer-readable medium may includea computer-readable medium not associated with the treatment decisiondevice.

In an embodiment, the treatment decision device 880 includes a treatmentdecision device configured to determine, in response to the signalindicative of the sensed property of the mammal 205 a selectedoutcome-promoting neuromodulation treatment regimen for administrationto a nervous system component 207 of the mammal. For example, theselected-outcome may include at least one of at least one of a selectedefficacious, a health-related, a quality-of-life promoting, or ahealth-promoting outcome. In an embodiment, the treatment decisiondevice includes a treatment decision device configured to determine aneuromodulation treatment regimen for administration to a nervous systemcomponent of the mammal at least partially based upon the signalindicative of the sensed property of the mammal and a reference databaseof neuromodulation treatment regimens. The reference database may bestored by the computer-readable medium 886. In an embodiment, thereference database of neuromodulation treatment regimens includes astandard practice guideline database, an investigational practiceguideline database, or neuromodulation treatment regimen databasepersonalized to the mammal. In an embodiment, the treatment decisiondevice includes a treatment decision device utilizing an algorithmconfigured to determine a neuromodulation treatment regimen foradministration to a nervous system component of the mammal. Thealgorithm is based at least partially on the signal indicative of thesensed property of the mammal and a reference database ofneuromodulation treatment regimens. The algorithm may be stored by thecomputer-readable medium. In an embodiment, the treatment decisiondevice includes a treatment decision device configured to determine inresponse to the signal indicative of the sensed property of the mammal aneuromodulation treatment regimen for administration to a nervous systemcomponent of the mammal. The determination is based on at least one ofan electronically stored database relating sensed properties of themammal and neuromodulation treatment regimens, a computer-implementeddecision table, a digitally maintained neuromodulation treatment regimentable, or a digital library correlating sensed properties of the mammaland neuromodulation treatment regimens.

In an embodiment, the treatment decision device 880 includes a treatmentdecision device configured to determine in response to the signalindicative of the sensed property of the mammal 205 a neuromodulationtreatment regimen for administration to a nervous system component 207of the mammal based upon a look-up table of stimuli regimens to beadministered to a nervous system component of the mammal according to aselected outcome. The look-up table may be stored by thecomputer-readable medium 886. In an embodiment, the treatment decisiondevice includes a treatment decision device configured to determine inresponse to the signal indicative of the sensed property of the mammal aneuromodulation treatment regimen for administration to a nervous systemcomponent of the mammal. The determined neuromodulation treatmentregimen having at least one of a determined frequency, waveform,duration, or amplitude characteristic. In an embodiment, the treatmentdecision device includes a treatment decision device configured todetermine that treatment is not indicated in response to the signalindicative of the sensed property of the mammal. In an embodiment, thetreatment decision device includes a treatment decision deviceconfigured to determine that treatment is indicated in response to thesignal indicative of the sensed property of the mammal. In anembodiment, the computer-readable medium includes a computer-readablemedium configured to store information correlating at least one sensedproperty of the mammal and at least one neuromodulation treatmentregimen. In an embodiment, the system further includes a neuromodulationdevice 860 configured to output a stimulus operable to modulate anervous system component of the mammal in response to the informationcorresponding to the determined neuromodulation treatment regimen. In anembodiment, the neuromodulation device may include a neuromodulationsource 862, a controller circuit 864, a processor circuit 866, or acommunications circuit 868, and other circuits(s) 869. In an embodiment,the neuromodulation source may include an implantable neuromodulationsource 862A. In an embodiment, the controller circuit may include anexternal controller circuit 864A.

In an embodiment, at least two of the sensor device 820, the signalgenerator 840, and the treatment decision device 880 may communicateusing a wireless communication protocol. In an embodiment, at least twoof the sensor device 820, the signal generator 840, and the treatmentdecision device 880 may communicate using an electrical conductor.

In an embodiment, an aspect of the neuromodulation device 860 or otherneuromodulation devices described herein may be illustrated by anintracranial electrical stimulation device produced by NorthstarNeuroscience and trademarked as the Renova™ cortical stimulation system.Northstar describes its Renova system as designed to deliver targetedstimulation to the cerebral cortex component of a mammal's 205 nervoussystem, which is illustrated as the nervous system component 207. In anembodiment, a portion of the implantable neuromodulation device 862A maybe illustrated by Northstar's implantable electrode. The electrode isconnected via a lead wire to a pulse generator type neuromodulationsource implanted in the mammal's chest. Another portion of animplantable embodiment of the neuromodulation device 860 or theneuromodulation source 862 of FIG. 11 may be illustrated by Northstar'spulse generator type neuromodulation source. Therapeutic stimulation iscontrolled by a clinician that Northstar's programming system. Forexample, a clinician may use a computing device, such as the computingdevice 2290 of FIG. 29 and its user interface 2292, to control thetherapeutic stimulation. Additional aspects of Northstar's Renova systemare described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,146,217, Method and apparatus foreffectuating a change in neural-functioning of a patient, to A. Firliket al.

In an embodiment, an aspect of the neuromodulation device 860 or otherneuromodulation devices described herein is illustrated by a deviceproduced by Medtronic and trademarked as the Activa® Therapy system fordeep brain stimulation. Medtronic describes the Activa system as using asurgically implanted medical device, e.g. their Solentra® single orKinetra® dual channel neurostimulator, to deliver a controlledelectrical stimulation to precisely targeted areas within the brain ofthe mammal 205, which may be illustrated by the nervous system component207. A portion of an implantable neuromodulation device 862A isillustrated by an Activa lead, which consists of four thincoiled-insulated wires with four electrodes at the lead tip. The leadtip is implantable in the brain. Another portion of an implantableembodiment of the neuromodulation device 860 or the neuromodulationsource 862 of FIG. 11 is illustrated by an Activa neurostimulator, e.g.Solentra single or Kinetra neurostimulator. The Activa lead isconnectable by wires to the Activa neurostimulator, which is implantablebeneath the chest skin and below the collarbone of the mammal. TheActiva neurostimulator includes a small, sealed device housing a batteryand electronics, and a pulse generator that produces the electricalpulses needed for stimulation. The Activa neurostimulator deliverselectrical pulses through connecting wires to the lead, and through thelead into the targeted areas in the brain. These electrical pulses canbe adjusted noninvasively by a clinician or patient with an Activaprogrammer device, for example Medtronic's Access® controller, whichuses a wireless communication link to check or change theneurostimulator's settings. In an embodiment, the computing device 2290and its user interface 2292 of FIG. 29 are illustrated by the ActivaAccess controller.

In an embodiment, an aspect of the neuromodulation device 860 or otherneuromodulation devices described herein is illustrated by a deviceproduced by Boston Scientific and trademarked as the Precision Plus™Spinal Cord Stimulation System. The Precision Plus system includesdelivering electrical pulses to nerves traveling along the spinal cordof the mammal 205, which may be illustrated as the nervous systemcomponent 207. A portion of the implantable neuromodulation device 862Ais illustrated by the Precision Plus electrode contacts that areimplantable at locations proximate to the spinal cord. In an embodiment,certain aspects of the neuromodulation device 860 may additionally beillustrated by the Precision Plus pulse generator. Another portion ofthe implantable neuromodulation device 862A is illustrated by animplanted, rechargeable pulse generator, which is connected to theelectrode contacts by leads. In an embodiment, certain aspects of theneuromodulation device 860 may additionally be illustrated by thePrecision Plus replenishable power source and the internal and externalportions of the portable power source replenishing system. In addition,an aspect of the neuromodulation device using the computing device 2290and its user interface 2292 of FIG. 29 to control the neuromodulationdevice is illustrated by the Precision Plus remote control. Additionalaspects of system of the Precision Plus Spinal Cord Stimulation Systemare described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,496,404 Rechargeable spinal cordstimulator system to Meadows et al.

In an embodiment, an aspect of the neuromodulation device 860 or otherneuromodulation devices described herein is illustrated by any ofseveral St. Jude Medical's Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) systems,formerly marketed under Advanced Neuromodulation. The SCS systemsdeliver electrical pulses to nerves traveling along the spinal cord ofthe mammal 205, which may be illustrated as the nervous system component207. A portion of the implantable neuromodulation device 862A isillustrated by the SCS electrode contacts that are implantable atlocations proximate to the spinal cord. An implantable embodiment of theneuromodulation device 860 is illustrated by an implantable SCSgenerator, which includes electronic components and sends electricalcurrent through one or more lead to the electrode contacts. The SCSsystems include an implantable pulse generator (IPG), which can includea long-life or rechargeable battery, such as those used in their Eon™and Genesis™ Systems, or which is powered externally, such as that intheir Renew® Radiofrequency System. In an embodiment, certain aspects ofthe neuromodulation device 1460 may additionally be illustrated by a SCSsystem's implantable generator. The SCS systems also include ancontroller that is able to wirelessly communicate with the implantedportion pulse generator and that has programming means, such as ActiveBalancing™, Dynamic MultiStim™, or PC-Stim®, that provide input to theIPG. In an embodiment, certain aspects of the neuromodulation device1460 may additionally be illustrated by an SCS system controller andprogramming.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example operational flow 900. After a startoperation, the operational flow includes a contactless sensing operation910. The contactless sensing operation includes acquiring electronicdata indicative of a property of a mammal without making physicalcontact with the mammal. In an embodiment, the contactless sensingoperation may be implemented using the sensor device 820 described inconjunction with FIG. 11. In an embodiment, the contactless sensingoperation may be implemented using the sensor device 520 described inconjunction with FIG. 8. A treatment selection operation 920 includesdetermining, according to a selected outcome and in response to theelectronic data indicative of the property of the mammal, aneuromodulation treatment regimen for administration to a nervous systemcomponent of the mammal. In an embodiment, the treatment selectionoperation may be implemented using the treatment decision device 880described in conjunction with FIG. 11. A treatment storage and retrievaloperation 930 includes electronically storing and providing electronicaccess to information corresponding to the chosen neuromodulationtreatment regimen. In an embodiment, the treatment storage and retrievaloperation may be implemented using a computer-readable medium. Forexample, the computer-readable medium may include a computer-readablemedium associated with a thin computing device, such as the thincomputing device 20 described in conjunction with FIG. 1, such as thecomputing device 110 described in conjunction with FIG. 2, or such asthe computer-readable medium 886 described in conjunction with FIG. 11.The operational flow includes an end operation.

FIG. 13 illustrates an example apparatus 1000. The example apparatusincludes means 1010 for acquiring electronic data indicative of aproperty of a mammal without making physical contact with the mammal.The example apparatus includes means 1020 for choosing according to aselected outcome and in response to the electronic data indicative ofthe property of the mammal a neuromodulation treatment regimen foradministration to a nervous system component of the mammal. The exampleapparatus includes means 1030 for storing computer readable informationindicative of the chosen neuromodulation treatment regimen.

FIG. 14 illustrates an environment 1100. The environment includes asystem 1103. The system includes a sensor device 1120, a signalgenerator 1140, a patient confirmation device 1180, a treatment decisiondevice 1150, and a patient records device 1190. The environment includesa subject mammal 1106 who is sensed by the sensor device 1120, and whomay also be a patient mammal 1105. The environment also includes athird-party mammal 1101 that might be within sensing range of the sensordevice. For example, the third-party mammal may include a mammal presentwithin a sensing range of the senor device 1120, such as a visitor,health care provider, relative, or stranger.

The sensor device 1120 is configured to sense a property of the subjectmammal 1106 without physically contacting the subject mammal. In anembodiment, the sensor device may include a sensor head 1122, a sensorcontroller 1124, a communications circuit 1128, or other circuit(s)1129. In an embodiment, the communications circuit 1128 may beconfigured for communications using an electrical conductor or awireless system.

The signal generator 1140 is configured to generate a signal indicativeof the sensed property of the subject mammal 1106. In an embodiment, thesignal generator may include a processor circuit 1142, an analog todigital signal converter circuit 1144, a sensor data storage circuit1146, a communications circuit 1148, or other circuit(s) 1149. In anembodiment, the communications circuit 1148 may be configured forcommunications using an electrical conductor or communications using awireless system. In an embodiment, the signal generator may include aninstance of the thin computing device 20 and the processor circuit mayinclude the processing unit 21, as described in conjunction with FIG. 1.In an embodiment, the signal generator may include the computing device110 and the processor circuit may include the processor 120, asdescribed in conjunction with FIG. 2.

The treatment decision device 1150 is configured to determine inresponse to the signal indicative of the sensed property of the subjectmammal 1106 a neuromodulation treatment regimen for administration to anervous system component 1107 of the patient mammal 1105. In anembodiment, the treatment decision device may include a treatmentdetermination circuit 1152, a processor circuit 1154, a treatmentregimen selector circuit 1156, a computer-readable medium 1157, acommunications circuit 1158, or other circuit(s) 1159. In an embodiment,the treatment decision device may include or be implemented by aninstance of the thin computing device 20 and the processor circuit 1154may include the processing unit 21, as described in conjunction withFIG. 1. In an embodiment, the treatment decision device may include orbe implemented by an instance of the computing device 110 and theprocessor circuit may include the processor 120, as described inconjunction with FIG. 2. In an embodiment, the communications circuit1158 may be configured for communications using an electrical conductoror communications using a wireless system.

In an embodiment, the treatment decision device 1150 is configured todetermine in response to the signal indicative of the sensed property ofthe subject mammal 1106 a neuromodulation treatment regimen foradministration to a nervous system component 1107 of the patient mammal1105. The treatment decision device is also configured to authorizeprovision of the determined neuromodulation treatment regimen to thepatient mammal in response to the determined identity correlationbetween the subject mammal and the patient mammal. In an embodiment, thetreatment decision device is configured to determine in response to thesignal indicative of the sensed property of the subject mammal aneuromodulation treatment regimen for administration to a nervous systemcomponent of the patient mammal and to provide electronic access to thestored information. The treatment decision device having anelectronically maintained information correlating at least one possiblesensed property of the subject mammal and at least one possibleneuromodulation treatment regimen, a computer-implemented decisiontable, or a digital library correlating at least one possible sensedproperty of the subject mammal and at least one possible neuromodulationtreatment regimen. In an embodiment, the electronically maintainedinformation may be saved on the computer-readable medium 1196. In anembodiment, the electronically maintained information may be saved on aremote computer-readable medium (not shown) accessible by the treatmentdecision device.

The patient confirmation device 1180 is configured to determine anidentity correlation between the subject mammal 1106 and the patientmammal 1105. For example, the third-party mammal 1101 may be within asensing range of the sensor device 1120. In an embodiment, the patientconfirmation device 1180 determines an identity correlation between thesubject mammal 1106 and the patient mammal 1105, i.e., that the sensordevice sensed a property of the patient mammal and not a property of thethird-party mammal 1101. In an embodiment, the patient confirmationdevice may include a determination circuit 1182, a processor circuit1184, a communication circuit 1188, or other circuit(s) 1189. In anembodiment, the patient confirmation device may include or may beimplemented by an instance of the thin computing device 20 and theprocessor circuit 1184 may include the processing unit 21, as describedin conjunction with FIG. 1. In an embodiment, the patient confirmationdevice may include or be implemented by an instance of the computingdevice 110 and the processor circuit may include the processor 120, asdescribed in conjunction with FIG. 2. In an embodiment, thecommunications circuit 1188 may be configured for communications usingan electrical conductor or communications using a wireless system. In anembodiment, the patient confirmation device includes a patientconfirmation device configured to determine an identity correlationbetween the subject mammal and the patient mammal. The patientconfirmation device in this embodiment is also configured to authorizeprovision of the determined neuromodulation treatment regimen to thepatient mammal in response to the determined identity correlationbetween the subject mammal and a patient mammal.

The patient records device 1190 is configured to store informationcorresponding to the determined neuromodulation treatment regimen in acomputer-readable medium 1196 and to provide electronic access to thestored information. In an embodiment, the patient records device mayinclude a records management circuit 1192, a processor circuit 1194, arecords privacy circuit 1195, the computer-readable medium 1196, acommunications circuit 1198, and other circuit(s) 1199. In anembodiment, the patient records device may include or be implemented byan instance of the thin computing device 20 and the processor circuit1194 may include the processing unit 21, as described in conjunctionwith FIG. 1. In an embodiment, the patient records device may include orbe implemented by an instance of the computing device 110 and theprocessor circuit may include the processor 120, as described inconjunction with FIG. 2. In an embodiment, the communications circuit1198 may be configured for communications using an electrical conductoror communications using a wireless system.

In an embodiment, the patient records device 1190 includes a patientrecords device configured to store information corresponding to thedetermined neuromodulation treatment regimen in the computer-readablemedium 1196. The patient records device is also configured to storeinformation corresponding to the identity correlation between thesubject mammal and the patient mammal in the computer-readable medium.The patient records device is also configured to provide electronicaccess to the stored information. In an embodiment, the patient recordsdevice includes a patient records device configured to store informationcorresponding to the determined neuromodulation treatment regimen in thecomputer-readable medium. The patient records device is also configuredto store information corresponding to the determined neuromodulationtreatment regimen in response to the determined identity correlationbetween the subject mammal and a patient mammal in the computer-readablemedium. The patient records device is further configured to provideelectronic access to the stored information. In an embodiment, thepatient records device includes a patient records device configured tostore information corresponding to the determined neuromodulationtreatment regimen in a computer-readable medium. The patient recordsdevice is also configured to store information corresponding to theauthorized provision of the determined neuromodulation treatment regimento the patient mammal in the computer-readable medium. The patientrecords device is further configured to provide electronic access to thestored information.

In an embodiment, the system 203 further includes a neuromodulationdevice 1160 operable to administer the determined neuromodulationtreatment regimen to the nervous system component 1107 of the patientmammal 1105 if the identity correlation between the subject mammal 1106and the patient mammal 1105 satisfies a criteria. For example, in anembodiment, the identity correlation criteria may require at least a 90%match or confidence level.

FIG. 15 illustrates an example operational flow 1200. After a startoperation, the operational flow moves to a contactless sensing operation1210. The contactless sensing operation includes sensing a property of asubject mammal without physically contacting the subject mammal. In anembodiment, the contactless sensing operation may be implemented usingthe sensor device 1120 described in conjunction with FIG. 14. A subjectinformation operation 1220 includes generating a signal indicative ofthe sensed property of the subject mammal. In an embodiment, the subjectinformation operation may be implemented using the signal generator 1140described in conjunction with FIG. 14. A treatment selection operation1230 includes determining a neuromodulation treatment regimen foradministration to a nervous system component of a patient mammal inresponse to the signal indicative of the sensed property of the subjectmammal. In an embodiment, the treatment selection operation may beimplemented using the treatment decision device 1150 described inconjunction with FIG. 14. A patient verification operation 1240 includesdetermining an identity correlation between the subject mammal and thepatient mammal. In'an embodiment, the patient verification operation maybe implemented using the patient confirmation device 1180 described inconjunction with FIG. 14. A patient records operation 1250 includeselectronically maintaining information corresponding to the determinedneuromodulation treatment regimen and to the determined identitycorrelation between the subject mammal and the patient mammal. In anembodiment, the patient records operation may be implemented using thepatient records device 1190 described in conjunction with FIG. 14. In anembodiment, the operational flow may include at least one additionaloperation, such as the patient resources operation 1260. The patientresources operation includes providing electronic access to theinformation corresponding to the determined neuromodulation treatmentregimen and to the determined identity correlation between the subjectmammal and the patient mammal. The operational flow includes an endoperation.

FIG. 16 illustrates an example system 1300. The example system includesmeans 1310 for sensing a property of a subject mammal without physicallycontacting the subject mammal. The system also includes means 1320 forgenerating a signal indicative of the sensed property of the subjectmammal. The system further includes means 1330 for determining aneuromodulation treatment regimen for administration to a nervous systemcomponent of a patient mammal in response to the signal indicative ofthe sensed property of the subject mammal. The system also include means1340 for determining an identity correlation between the subject mammaland the patient mammal. The system further includes means 1350 forelectronically maintaining information corresponding to the determinedneuromodulation treatment regimen and to the determined identitycorrelation between the subject mammal and the patient mammal. In anembodiment, the system may include means 1360 for providing electronicaccess to the information corresponding to the determinedneuromodulation treatment regimen and to the determined identitycorrelation between the subject mammal and the patient mammal.

FIG. 17 illustrates an environment 1400 that includes a system 1403. Thesystem includes a sensor device 1420, a signal generator 1440, a featureinterpretation device 1490, a treatment decision device 1450, and apatient records device, illustrated as the patient records device 1190described in conjunction with FIG. 14. The sensor device is configuredto sense a property of the mammal 1105 without physically touching themammal. The signal generator is configured to generate a signalindicative of the sensed property of the mammal. The featureinterpretation device is configured to generate data indicative of aphysiological characteristic of the mammal in response to the signalindicative of the property of the mammal. For example, in an embodiment,the feature interpretation device may generate data indicative of themammal's brain wave, cardiac waveform, neural activity, pupil diameter,breathing, or temperature. In an embodiment, the feature interpretationdevice may include an artificial intelligence feature interpretationcircuit 1492, a feature evaluation circuit 1494, a processor circuit1496, a computer-readable medium 1497, a communications circuit 1498, orother circuit(s) 1499. In an embodiment, the feature interpretationdevice may include an instance of the thin computing device 20 and theprocessor circuit may be the processing unit 21 and thecomputer-readable medium may be part of the system memory, as describedin conjunction with FIG. 1. In an embodiment, the feature interpretationdevice may include the computing device 110 and the processor circuitmay be the processor 120 and the computer-readable medium may be thehard disk drive 141, as described in conjunction with FIG. 2.

The treatment decision device 1450 is configured to determine inresponse to the data indicative of a physiological characteristic of themammal 1105 a neuromodulation treatment regimen for administration to anervous system component 1107 of the mammal. In an embodiment, thetreatment decision device may include an instance of the thin computingdevice 20 and the processor circuit may be the processing unit 21 andthe computer-readable medium may be part of the system memory, asdescribed in conjunction with FIG. 1. In an embodiment, the treatmentdecision device may include the computing device 110 and the processorcircuit may be the processor 120 and the computer-readable medium may bethe hard disk drive 141, as described in conjunction with FIG. 2. Thepatient records device is configured to store information correspondingto the determined neuromodulation treatment regimen in acomputer-readable medium, such as the computer-readable medium 1196 ofFIG. 14, and to provide electronic access to the stored information.

In an embodiment, the signal generator 1440 includes a signal generatorconfigured to generate and to transmit via an electrically conductivepathway a signal indicative of the sensed property of the mammal 1105.In an embodiment, the signal generator may transmit via an electricallyconductive pathway. For example, the electrically conductive pathway mayinclude a bus, an interconnect, dedicated wiring, cable, Ethernet cable,telephone line, or a wired system. In an embodiment, the signalgenerator includes a signal generator configured to generate andwirelessly transmit a signal indicative of the sensed property of themammal. For example, wireless transmit may include wirelesslytransmitting using a local wireless system, the Internet, a globalcomputer network, a private wireless network, a LAN, or a cellularnetwork communications system. In an embodiment, the signal generatormay be configured to transmit a signal indicative of the sensed propertyof the mammal in a format usable by the feature interpretation circuit1490.

In an embodiment, the feature interpretation device 1490 includes afeature interpretation device configured to generate data indicative ofa brain waveform, cardiac waveform, neural activity, pupil diameter,breathing, temperature, movement, acoustic, or body positioncharacteristic of the mammal 1105 in response to the signal indicativeof the property of the mammal. For example, a body position may includea fallen, sitting, or crumpled body position as sensed by anaccelerometer, camera, or other sensor device. For example, a bodyposition may include a position of a part of a body, such as headnodding, twitching, or repetitive limb motion. In an embodiment, thefeature interpretation device includes a feature interpretation deviceconfigured to generate data indicative of a static or a varyingphysiological characteristic of the mammal in response to the signalindicative of the property of the mammal. In an embodiment, the featureinterpretation device includes a feature interpretation device notphysically coupled with the sensor device and configured to generatedata indicative of a physiological characteristic of the mammal inresponse to the signal indicative of the property of the mammal. In anembodiment, the feature interpretation device includes a featureinterpretation device physically coupled with the sensor device andconfigured to generate data indicative of a physiological characteristicof the mammal in response to the signal indicative of the property ofthe mammal.

In an embodiment, the feature interpretation device 1490 includes afeature interpretation device configured to receive a transmitted signalindicative of the property of the mammal 1105. In this embodiment, thefeature interpretation device is also operable to generate dataindicative of a physiological characteristic of the mammal in responseto the received signal indicative of the property of the mammal. Forexample, the feature interpretation device may receive the transmittedsignal via an electrically conductive pathway, such as a bus, or aninterconnect. In an embodiment, the feature interpretation may include afeature interpretation device configured to receive a wirelesslytransmitted signal indicative of the property of the mammal, and togenerate data indicative of a physiological characteristic of the mammalin response to the received signal indicative of the property of themammal. For example, the feature interpretation device may wirelesslyreceive the transmitted signal, such as via a local wireless system, theInternet, a global computer network, a private wireless network, a LAN,or a cellular network communications system. In an embodiment, thefeature interpretation device includes a feature interpretation deviceconfigured to generate and to transmit via an electrically conductivepathway data indicative of a physiological characteristic of the mammalin response to the signal indicative of the property of the mammal. Inan embodiment, the feature interpretation device includes a featureinterpretation device configured to generate and to wirelessly transmitdata indicative of a physiological characteristic of the mammal inresponse to the signal indicative of the property of the mammal.

In an embodiment, the treatment decision device 1450 includes atreatment decision device configured to decide if treatment is indicatedin response to the data indicative of a physiological characteristic ofthe mammal 1105. In this embodiment, the treatment decision device isalso configured to determine a neuromodulation treatment regimen foradministration to a nervous system component 1107 of the mammal inresponse to the data indicative of a physiological characteristic of themammal. In an embodiment, the treatment decision device includes atreatment decision device configured to determine in response to thedata indicative of a physiological characteristic of the mammal aselected outcome-promoting neuromodulation treatment regimen foradministration to a nervous system component of the mammal. In anembodiment, the treatment decision device includes a treatment decisiondevice configured to determine a neuromodulation treatment regimen foradministration to a nervous system component of the mammal at leastpartially based upon the signal indicative of the sensed property of themammal and a reference database of neuromodulation treatment regimens.In an embodiment, the treatment decision device includes a treatmentdecision device utilizing an algorithm configured to determine aneuromodulation treatment regimen for administration to a nervous systemcomponent of the mammal at least partially based upon the signalindicative of the sensed property of the mammal and a reference databaseof neuromodulation treatment regimens. In an embodiment, the treatmentdecision device includes a treatment decision device configured todetermine a neuromodulation treatment regimen for an administration to anervous system component of the mammal according to a selected outcomeand in response to the data indicative of a physiological characteristicof the mammal. For example, a selected outcome may include a selectedtreatment outcome, such as cure, symptom relief, a reduction or increasein neural regeneration. For example, a selected outcome may include asubjective or objective outcome perception by the mammal or health careprovider, or a change at a molecular level in the mammal.

In an embodiment, the treatment decision device 1450 includes atreatment decision device configured to determine in response to thedata indicative of a physiological characteristic of the mammal 1105 aneuromodulation treatment regimen for administration to a nervous systemcomponent 1107 of the mammal. The determination is responsive to anelectronically stored database relating a physiological characteristicof the mammal and a neuromodulation treatment regimen, acomputer-implemented decision table, a digitally maintainedneuromodulation treatment regimen table, or a digital librarycorrelating physiological characteristics of the mammal andneuromodulation treatment regimens. In an embodiment, the treatmentdecision device includes a treatment decision device configured todetermine in response to the data indicative of a physiologicalcharacteristic of the mammal a neuromodulation treatment regimen foradministration to a nervous system component of the mammal. Thedetermined neuromodulation treatment regimen including at least one of asource, frequency, waveform, duration, or amplitude characteristic. Inan embodiment, the treatment decision device includes a treatmentdecision device configured to determine in response to the dataindicative of a physiological characteristic of the mammal aneuromodulation treatment regimen for administration to a nervous systemcomponent of the mammal. The determined neuromodulation treatmentregimen having at least one of a single instance of a neural stimulus,at least two instances of neural stimuli, or a course of neural stimuli.In an embodiment, the treatment decision device includes a treatmentdecision device not physically coupled with the feature interpretationdevice and configured to determine in response to the data indicative ofa physiological characteristic of the mammal a neuromodulation treatmentregimen for administration to a nervous system component of the mammal.

In an embodiment, the treatment decision device 1450 includes atreatment decision device configured to determine in response to thedata indicative of a physiological characteristic of the mammal 1105 aneuromodulation treatment regimen for administration to a nervous systemcomponent 1107 of the mammal. In this embodiment, treatment decisiondevice is also configured to facilitate an administration of theneuromodulation treatment regimen to the nervous system component of themammal. In an embodiment, the treatment decision device includes atreatment decision device configured to determine in response to thedata indicative of a physiological characteristic of the mammal aneuromodulation treatment regimen for administration to a nervous systemcomponent of the mammal. In this embodiment, the treatment decisiondevice is also configured to control an administration of the selectedneuromodulation treatment regimen to the nervous system component of themammal by a neuromodulation device 1460. The treatment decision deviceincludes a treatment decision device configured to determine aneuromodulation treatment regimen for administration to a nervous systemcomponent of the mammal in response to the data indicative of aphysiological characteristic of the mammal and in response to a previousadministration of at least one neuromodulation treatment regimen to themammal. For example, a response to a previous administration of at leastone neuromodulation treatment regimen to the mammal, the treatmentdecision device may include a rule such as do not treat more than oncein 60 minutes, or make this next treatment different than previous. Inan embodiment, the treatment decision device includes a treatmentdecision device configured to determine in response to the dataindicative of a physiological characteristic of the mammal a firstneuromodulation treatment regimen and a second neuromodulation treatmentregimen for a possible administration to a nervous system component ofthe mammal.

In an embodiment, the treatment decision device 1450 includes atreatment decision device configured to determine a neuromodulationtreatment regimen for administration to a nervous system component 1107of the mammal 1105 in response to the data indicative of a physiologicalcharacteristic of the mammal and in response and responsive to data fromanother source. For example, the data from another source may include atime (such as a precise time, or a portion of a day, such as morning,afternoon, evening, or night), ambient temperature, mammal bodytemperature, or a location (such as in bed, concert hall, or in avehicle). In an embodiment, the treatment decision device includes atreatment decision device configured to receive a transmitted signalindicative of the data indicative of a physiological characteristic ofthe mammal. In this embodiment, the treatment decision device is alsoconfigured to determine in response to the data indicative of aphysiological characteristic of the mammal a neuromodulation treatmentregimen for administration to a nervous system component of the mammal.In an embodiment, the treatment decision device includes a treatmentdecision device configured to receive a wirelessly transmitted signalindicative of the data indicative of a physiological characteristic ofthe mammal. In this embodiment, the treatment decision device is alsoconfigured to determine in response to the data indicative of aphysiological characteristic of the mammal a neuromodulation treatmentregimen for administration to a nervous system component of the mammal.In an embodiment, the treatment decision device includes a treatmentdecision device configured to determine in response to the dataindicative of a physiological characteristic of the mammal aneuromodulation treatment regimen for administration to a nervous systemcomponent of the mammal. In this embodiment, the treatment decisiondevice is also configured to transmit information indicative of theselected neuromodulation treatment regimen via an electricallyconductive pathway. In an embodiment, the treatment decision deviceincludes a treatment decision device configured to determine in responseto the data indicative of a physiological characteristic of the mammal aneuromodulation treatment regimen for administration to a nervous systemcomponent of the mammal. In this embodiment, the treatment decisiondevice is also configured to wirelessly transmit information indicativeof the selected neuromodulation treatment regimen.

In an embodiment, the system 1403 further includes the neuromodulationdevice 1460. The neuromodulation device is configured to administer theselected neuromodulation treatment regimen to the nervous systemcomponent 1107 of the mammal 1105. In an embodiment, the neuromodulationdevice may include a neuromodulation source 1462, a treatment controllercircuit 1464, a processor circuit 1466, a communications circuit 1468,or other circuit(s) 1469. In an embodiment, the neuromodulation sourcemay include an implantable neuromodulation source 1462A. In anembodiment, the treatment controller circuit may include an externalcontroller circuit 1464A. In an embodiment, the neuromodulation devicemay include a neuromodulation device physically associable with themammal and configured to administer the selected neuromodulationtreatment regimen to the nervous system component of the mammal. Forexample, the neuromodulation device may include at least an implantableportion, a surface contact portion, or both an implantable portion and asurface contact portion. In an embodiment, the neuromodulation deviceincludes a neuromodulation device operable to generate and administerthe selected neuromodulation treatment regimen to a nervous systemcomponent of the mammal. In an embodiment, the neuromodulation deviceincludes a neuromodulation device operable to administer the selectedneuromodulation treatment regimen to a nervous system component of themammal while the mammal is within a space. In an embodiment, theneuromodulation device includes a neuromodulation device operable toautomatically administer the selected neuromodulation treatment regimento a nervous system component of the mammal in response to at least oneof a command received from the treatment decision device, in response toan input initiated by the mammal, or in response to an input initiatedby a health care provider.

In an embodiment, the neuromodulation device 1460 includes aneuromodulation device configured to administer the selectedneuromodulation treatment regimen to a component 1107 of the vagalnervous system of the mammal 1105. In an embodiment, the neuromodulationdevice includes a neuromodulation device configured to administer theselected neuromodulation treatment regimen to a central nervous systemcomponent of the mammal. In an embodiment, the neuromodulation deviceincludes a neuromodulation device configured to administer the selectedneuromodulation treatment regimen to a component of the brain of themammal. In an embodiment, the neuromodulation device includes aneuromodulation device configured to administer the selectedneuromodulation treatment regimen to a component of the spinal cord ofthe mammal. In an embodiment, the neuromodulation device includes aneuromodulation device configured to administer the selectedneuromodulation treatment regimen to a component of the peripheralnervous system of the mammal. In an embodiment, the neuromodulationdevice includes a neuromodulation device configured to administer theselected neuromodulation treatment regimen to a component of the somaticnervous system of the mammal. In an embodiment, the neuromodulationdevice includes a neuromodulation device configured to administer theselected neuromodulation treatment regimen to a sensory nerve, a motornerve, the autonomic nervous system component, or the enteric nervoussystem component of the mammal. In an embodiment, the neuromodulationdevice includes a neuromodulation device configured to administer theselected neuromodulation treatment regimen to aneurotransmitter-releasing component of the nervous system of themammal. In an embodiment, the neuromodulation device includes aneuromodulation device configured to receive a transmitted signalindicative of the selected neuromodulation treatment regimen via anelectrically conductive pathway. In this embodiment, the neuromodulationdevice is also configured to administer the selected neuromodulationtreatment regimen to the nervous system component of the mammal. In anembodiment, the neuromodulation device includes a neuromodulation deviceconfigured to receive a wirelessly transmitted signal indicative of theselected neuromodulation treatment regimen. In this embodiment, theneuromodulation device is also configured to administer the selectedneuromodulation treatment regimen to the nervous system component of themammal.

In an embodiment, the system includes an illumination source 1430operable to illuminate at least a portion of the mammal 1105 with anenergy to which the sensor device 1420 is responsive. For example, theenergy may include a visible light energy, a radio frequency energy, amicrowave frequency energy, or an ultrasonic frequency energy. In anembodiment, the illumination source includes an illumination sourceoperable to illuminate at least a portion of the mammal with an energyto which the sensor device is responsive, and configured for a physicalassociation with an object. An example is described in U.S. Pat. No.7,272,431, Apparatus and methods for performing remote detection ofphysiological activity, to W. McGrath. U.S. Pat. No. 7,272,431 describesan aspect involving obtaining information concerning respiration andheart function by using a source containing an oscillator configured toilluminate a subject with electromagnetic signal beam and a receiverconfigured to observe changes in the amplitude of the electromagneticsignal reflected by the subject.

In an embodiment, the system 1403 includes a patient confirmation device1480 operable to determine that the sensor signal indicative of aproperty of the mammal 1105 was originated in response to the mammal. Inan embodiment, the patient confirmation device is operable to determinethat the sensor signal indicative of a property of the mammal wasoriginated in response to the mammal 1105 and not another mammal, suchas for example, the third-party mammal 1101. For example, in anembodiment, the determination that the sensor signal indicative of aproperty of the mammal 1105 was originated in response to the mammal maybe facilitated by an RFIG chip associated with the mammal, a facialrecognition of the mammal, or a tendered fingerprint.

FIG. 18 illustrates an example operational flow 1500. After a startoperation, the operational flow includes a contactless sensing operation1510. The contactless sensing operation includes sensing a property of amammal without physically touching the mammal. In an embodiment, thecontactless sensing operation may be implemented using the sensor device1420 described in conjunction with FIG. 17. A subject informationoperation 1520 includes generating a signal indicative of the sensedproperty of the mammal. In an embodiment, the subject informationoperation may be implemented using the signal generator 1440 describedin conjunction with FIG. 17. An evaluation operation 1530 includesgenerating data indicative of a physiological characteristic of themammal in response to the signal indicative of the property of themammal. In an embodiment, the evaluation operation may be implementedusing the feature interpretation device 1490 described in conjunctionwith FIG. 17. A patient treatment plan operation 1540 includesdetermining in response to the data indicative of a physiologicalcharacteristic of the mammal a neuromodulation treatment regimen foradministration to a nervous system component of the mammal. In anembodiment, the patient treatment plan operation may be implementedusing the treatment decision device 1450 described in conjunction withFIG. 17. A patient records operation 1550 includes storing informationcorresponding to the determined neuromodulation treatment regimen in acomputer-readable medium. In an embodiment, the patient recordsoperation may be implemented using the patient records device 1190described in conjunction with FIG. 14. A patient resources operation1560 includes providing electronic access to the stored information. Inan embodiment, the patient resources operation may be implemented usingthe patient records device 1190, which may include use of thecommunications circuit 1198. The operational flow includes an endoperation.

FIG. 19 illustrates an example system 1600. The system includes means1610 for sensing a property of a mammal without physically touching themammal. The system also includes means 1620 for generating a signalindicative of the sensed property of the mammal. The system furtherincludes means 1630 for generating data indicative of a physiologicalcharacteristic of the mammal in response to the signal indicative of theproperty of the mammal. The system includes means 1640 for selecting inresponse to the data indicative of a physiological characteristic of themammal a neuromodulation treatment regimen for administration to anervous system component of the mammal. The system also includes means1650 for storing information corresponding to the determinedneuromodulation treatment regimen in a computer-readable medium. Thesystem further includes means 1660 for providing electronic access tothe stored information.

FIG. 20 illustrates an example environment 1700 that includes a system1703. The system includes a sensor device 1720 operable to generate asensor signal indicative of the property of the mammal 1105. In anembodiment, the sensor device may include a sensor head 1722, a signalgenerating circuit 1723, a sensor controller 1724, a processor circuit1725, a sensor output conditioning circuit 1726, a communicationscircuit 1728, or other circuit(s) 1729. The system also includes afeature interpretation device 1730 operable to generate data indicativeof a physiological characteristic of the mammal in response to thesensor signal indicative of the property of the mammal. In anembodiment, the feature interpretation circuit may include an artificialintelligence based feature interpretation circuit 1732, a featureevaluation circuit 1734, a computer-readable medium 1735, a processorcircuit 1736, a communication circuit 1738, or other circuits(s) 1739.The system includes a patient diagnostic device 1770 operable toidentify a disease, disorder, or medically treatable condition inresponse to the data indicative of a physiological characteristic of themammal. In an embodiment, the patient diagnostic device may include adetermination circuit 1772, a processor circuit 1774, acomputer-readable medium 1776, a communication circuit 1778, or othercircuit(s) 1779. The system also includes a treatment decision device1750 operable to determine a neuromodulation treatment regimenresponsive to the identified disease, disorder, or medically treatablecondition. An example is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,335,657,Therapeutic treatment of sleep disorder by nerve stimulation, to R.Terry, Jr. et al. In an embodiment, the decision device 1750 is operableto determine a neuromodulation treatment regimen responsive to theidentified disease, disorder, or medically treatable condition accordingto a selected outcome. The system includes a patient records device 1790configured to store information corresponding to the determinedneuromodulation treatment regimen in a computer-readable medium and toprovide electronic access to the stored information.

In an embodiment, the system 1703 includes a neuromodulation deviceoperable to administer the chosen neuromodulation treatment regimen to anervous system component 1107 of the mammal 1105. For example, theneuromodulation device may be substantially similar to theneuromodulation device 1460 described in conjunction with FIG. 17.

Another example system 1703 may be illustrated at least in part by theenvironment 1403 of FIG. 17 and the environment 1700 of FIG. 20. Theanother system includes the sensor device 1720, which is responsive to aproperty of the subject mammal 1106 and operable to generate a sensorsignal indicative of the property of the subject mammal. The anothersystem includes the feature interpretation device 1730, which isoperable to generate data indicative of a physiological characteristicof the subject mammal in response to the sensor signal indicative of theproperty of the subject mammal. The another system includes thetreatment decision device 1750 operable to determine a neuromodulationtreatment regimen responsive to the data indicative of a physiologicalcharacteristic of the subject mammal according to a selected outcome fora patient mammal.

The another system 1703 also includes a patient confirmation device 1480an embodiment of which is illustrated as the patient confirmation devicedescribed in conjunction with FIG. 17, which is operable to recognize alikeness between the subject mammal 1106 and the patient mammal 1105.For example, in an embodiment, the patient confirmation device isoperable to recognize a likeness between the subject mammal and thepatient mammal, or is operable to recognize a non-likeness between thethird-party mammal 1101 and the patient mammal. This is expected tominimize any likelihood that a neuromodulation treatment regimen wouldbe delivered to the patient mammal in response to sensor data acquiredfrom the third-party mammal. In an embodiment, the patient confirmationdevice includes a patient confirmation device operable to recognize alikeness between the subject mammal and the patient mammal. In thisembodiment, the patient confirmation device is also operable tofacilitate an administration of the selected neuromodulation treatmentregimen to a nervous system component of the patient mammal if there isa recognized likeness between the subject mammal and the patient mammal.The another system includes the patient records device 1790, which isconfigured to store information corresponding to the determinedneuromodulation treatment regimen and information corresponding to therecognized likeness between the subject mammal and the patient mammal ina computer-readable medium. The patient records device is alsoconfigured to provide electronic access to the stored information. In anembodiment, the another system may include the neuromodulation device1460, which is operable to administer the selected neuromodulationtreatment regimen to the nervous system component of the patient mammal.In an embodiment, the neuromodulation device is operable to administerthe selected neuromodulation treatment regimen to the nervous systemcomponent of the patient mammal if there is a recognized likenessbetween the subject mammal and the patient mammal.

FIG. 21 illustrates an example operational flow 1800. After a startoperation, the operational flow includes a contactless sensing operation1810. The contactless sensing operation includes acquiring electronicdata indicative of a property of a mammal without making physicalcontact with the mammal. In an embodiment, the contactless sensingoperation may be implemented using the sensor device 1720 described inconjunction with FIG. 20. A data reduction operation 1820 includesextracting digital information indicative of a physiologicalcharacteristic of the mammal from the electronic data indicative of theproperty of the mammal. In an embodiment, the data reduction operationmay be implemented using the feature interpretation device 1730. Atreatment plan selection operation 1850 includes choosing from anelectronically accessible treatment database a neuromodulation treatmentregimen for administration to the mammal in response to the informationindicative of a physiological characteristic of the mammal. Thetreatment plan selection operation may be implemented using thetreatment decision device 1750. A treatment operation 1870 includeselectronically initiating an administration of the chosenneuromodulation treatment regimen to a nervous system component of themammal. In an embodiment, the treatment operation may be implementedusing the neuromodulation device 1460 described in conjunction with FIG.17. The operational flow includes an end operation.

FIG. 22 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationalflow 1800 described in FIG. 21. The contactless sensing operation 1810may include at least one additional operation, such as an operation1812. The operation 1812 includes acquiring electronic data indicativeof a property of a mammal present in a space without making physicalcontact with the mammal. In an embodiment, the data reduction operation1820 includes in an operation 1822 performed at a location remote fromthe space. The data reduction operation includes extracting digitalinformation indicative of a physiological characteristic of the mammalfrom the electronic data indicative of the state of the mammal. Forexample, in an embodiment, the space may include a bedroom of a houseoccupiable by the mammal. A location remote from the space may includeanother room of the house, or may include a networked computing devicelocated, hosted, or maintained at a remote location, such as aphysician's office, an original equipment manufacturer of a sensordevice, such as the sensor device 1720, or an office location of athird-party.

In an embodiment involving the operation 1812, an operation 1852includes, in an operation performed at a location remote from the space,choosing from an electronically readable treatment database aneuromodulation treatment regimen for administration to the mammal inresponse to the information indicative of a physiological characteristicof the mammal. In an embodiment involving the operation 1812 and theoperation 1822, an operation 1854 includes, in another operationperformed at another location remote from the space, choosing from anelectronically readable treatment database a neuromodulation treatmentregimen for administration to the mammal in response to the informationindicative of a physiological characteristic of the mammal.

FIG. 23 illustrates another alternative embodiment of the exampleoperational flow 1800 described in FIG. 21. The data reduction operation1820 may include at least one additional embodiment. The at least oneadditional embodiment may include an operation 1826, an operation 1828,an operation 1832, an operation 1834, an operation 1836, or an operation1838. The operation 1826 includes distilling digital informationindicative of a physiological characteristic of the mammal from theelectronic data indicative of the property of the mammal. The operation1828 includes inferring digital information indicative of aphysiological characteristic of the mammal from the electronic dataindicative of the property of the mammal. The operation 1832 includesderiving digital information indicative of a physiologicalcharacteristic of the mammal from the electronic data indicative of theproperty of the mammal. The operation 1834 includes extracting using anartificial intelligence tool digital information indicative of aphysiological characteristic of the mammal from the electronic dataindicative of the property of the mammal. In an embodiment, anartificial intelligence tool or a tool that uses artificial intelligenceincludes at least one an architecture, language, methodology, program,or algorithm that implement an artificial intelligence concept. Theoperation 1836 includes employing an artificial intelligence techniqueto extract digital information indicative of a physiologicalcharacteristic of the mammal from the electronic data indicative of theproperty of the mammal. The operation 1838 includes, in an operationperformed in a space, extracting digital information indicative of aphysiological characteristic of the mammal from the electronic dataindicative of the property of the mammal. In this embodiment involvingthe operation 1838, the patient treatment plan operation 1850 describedin conjunction with FIG. 21 includes an operation 1856. The operation1856 includes, in another operation performed at a location remote fromthe space, choosing from an electronically readable treatment database aneuromodulation treatment regimen for administration to the mammal inresponse to the information indicative of a physiological characteristicof the mammal.

FIG. 24 illustrates a further alternative embodiment of the exampleoperational flow 1800 described in FIG. 21. In an embodiment, thepatient treatment plan operation 1850 may include at least oneadditional embodiment. The at least one additional embodiment mayinclude an operation 1857, 1858, 1862, or 1864. The operation 1857includes choosing from an electronically readable treatment database aneuromodulation treatment regimen for administration to the mammal inresponse to a selected outcome and to the information indicative of aphysiological characteristic of the mammal. The operation 1858 includeschoosing from a digitally maintained treatment decision table aneuromodulation treatment regimen for administration to the mammal inresponse to the information indicative of a physiological characteristicof the mammal. The operation 1862 includes choosing from a digitallibrary correlating physiological characteristics and neural stimuli aneuromodulation treatment regimen for administration to the mammal inresponse to the information indicative of a physiological characteristicof the mammal. The operation 1864 includes deciding if treatment isindicated in response to the information indicative of a physiologicalcharacteristic of the mammal. If treatment is indicated, the operation1864 includes choosing from an electronically readable treatmentdatabase a neuromodulation treatment regimen for administration to themammal in response to the information indicative of a physiologicalcharacteristic of the mammal.

FIG. 25 illustrates another alternative embodiment of the exampleoperational flow 1800 described in FIG. 21. In an embodiment, thetreatment operation 1870 may include at least one additional embodiment.The at least on additional embodiment may include an operation 1874, anoperation 1876, an operation 1878, an operation 1882, an operation 1884,or an operation 1886. The operation 1874 includes facilitating atransformation of a physiological characteristic of the mammal to aselected state by electronically initiating an administration of thechosen neuromodulation treatment regimen to a nervous system componentof the mammal. In an embodiment, a physiological characteristic mayinclude any physiological characteristic, including any normal orabnormal physical characteristic, such as, for example but not limitedto, a normal sinus rhythm or an abnormal sinus rhythm, tachycardia,wakefulness, hypotension, epileptic seizure, drowsiness, sleep,consciousness, unconsciousness, breathing or resting, excited, orseizing, for example in a neuronal or muscular cell or tissue. In anembodiment, a physiological characteristic may be indicative of adisease state or of a disorder. In an embodiment, a physiologicalcharacteristic may include a neurological activity, brain wave, bloodpressure, or heart rate. The operation 1876 includes substantiallytransforming a physiological characteristic of the mammal to a selectedstate by electronically initiating an administration of the chosenneuromodulation treatment regimen to a nervous system component of themammal. The operation 1878 includes an electronically initiating anadministration of a selected outcome-promoting dose of the chosenneuromodulation treatment regimen to a nervous system component of themammal. In an embodiment, a dose may include a series of doses, whichmay individually be similar or dissimilar. In an embodiment, a dose is asimple on/off with a refraction time. In an embodiment, a dose mayinclude a series of individual doses over a time. The operation 1882includes electronically initiating an administration of the chosenneuromodulation treatment regimen to a nervous system component of themammal and provoking a selected outcome. In an embodiment, provokingincludes eliciting or causing a selected outcome. The operation 1884includes electronically initiating an administration of the chosenneuromodulation treatment regimen to a nervous system component of themammal and provoking a state of the mammal. For example, a state mayinclude a sleep state, REM state, or a heart rate. The operation 1886includes administering the chosen neuromodulation treatment regimen to anervous system component of the mammal and achieving a selected changeof a state of the mammal. For example, achieving a selected change of astate of the mammal may include achieving a selected change of a seizurestate, or achieving a selected change of a firing state of a nervecausing pain.

FIG. 26 illustrates a further alternative embodiment of the exampleoperational flow 1800 described in FIG. 21. The operational flow mayinclude at least one additional operation. The at least one additionaloperation may include an operation 1902, an operation 1904, an operation1906, an operation 1908, an operation 1912, an operation 1914, anoperation 1916, an operation 1918, or an operation 1922. The operation1902 includes physically associating with an object a sensor deviceoperable to generate electronic data indicative of a property of themammal without making contact with the mammal. The operation 1904includes illuminating at least a portion of the mammal with an energy.The operation 1906 includes physically associating with an object asensor device operable to generate electronic data indicative of aproperty of the mammal without making contact with the mammal. Theoperation 1906 also includes illuminating at least a portion of themammal with an energy to which the sensor device is responsive. Theoperation 1908 includes communicating the electronic data indicative ofa property of the mammal via an electrically conductive pathway to adevice operable to extract the information indicative of a physiologicalcharacteristic of the mammal from the electronic data indicative of aproperty of the mammal. The operation 1912 includes wirelesslycommunicating the electronic data indicative of a property of the mammalto a device that extracts the information indicative of a physiologicalcharacteristic of the mammal from the electronic data indicative of aproperty of the mammal. The operation 1914 includes communicating theextracted information indicative of a physiological characteristic ofthe mammal via an electrically conductive pathway to another device thatdetermines the neuromodulation treatment regimen for administration tothe mammal in response to the information indicative of a physiologicalcharacteristic of the mammal. The operation 1916 includes wirelesslycommunicating the extracted information indicative of a physiologicalcharacteristic of the mammal to another device that determines theneuromodulation treatment regimen for administration to the mammal inresponse to the information indicative of a physiological characteristicof the mammal. The operation 1918 includes communicating the chosenneuromodulation treatment regimen via an electrically conductive pathwayto a further device that electronically administers the chosenneuromodulation to a nervous system component of the mammal. Theoperation 1922 includes wirelessly communicating the chosenneuromodulation treatment regimen to a further device thatelectronically administers the chosen neuromodulation to a nervoussystem component of the mammal.

FIG. 27 illustrates an example operational flow 2000. After a startoperation, the operational flow includes a contactless sensing operation2010. The contactless sensing operation includes acquiring electronicdata indicative of a property of a subject mammal without makingphysical contact with the subject mammal. In an embodiment, thecontactless sensing operation may be implemented using the sensor device1720 described in conjunction with FIG. 20. A data reduction operation2020 includes extracting digital information indicative of aphysiological characteristic of the subject mammal from the electronicdata indicative of the property of the mammal. In an embodiment, thedata reduction operation may be implemented using the featureinterpretation device 1730. A treatment plan selection operation 2030includes choosing from an electronically readable treatment database aneuromodulation treatment regimen for administration to a patient mammalin response to the information indicative of a physiologicalcharacteristic of the subject mammal. In an embodiment, the treatmentplan selection operation may be implemented using the treatment decisiondevice 1750. A confirmation operation 2040 includes recognizing asubstantial likeness between the subject mammal and a patient mammal. Inan embodiment, the confirmation operation may be implemented using thepatient confirmation device 1480 described in conjunction with FIG. 17.A treatment operation 2050 includes automatically initiating anadministration of the chosen neuromodulation to a nervous systemcomponent of the patient mammal. In an embodiment, “automatically”includes taking or initiating an action without a human intervention,without a human decision, or independent of an external human control.In an embodiment, the treatment operation may be implemented using theneuromodulation device 1460. In an embodiment, the treatment operationincludes a treatment operation 2052 electronically administering thechosen neuromodulation to a nervous system component of the patientmammal only if the confirmation operation recognizes a substantiallikeness between the subject mammal and a patient mammal. Theoperational flow 2000 includes an end operation.

FIG. 28 illustrates an example system 2100. The system includes means2110 for acquiring electronic data indicative of a property of a mammalwithout making physical contact with the mammal. The system alsoincludes means 2120 for extracting information indicative of aphysiological characteristic of the mammal from the electronic dataindicative of the property of the mammal. The system further includesmeans 2130 for choosing in response to the information indicative of aphysiological characteristic of the mammal and from an electronicallyreadable treatment database a neuromodulation treatment regimen foradministration to the mammal. The system also includes means 2140 forautomatically initiating an administration of the chosen neuromodulationto a nervous system component of the patient mammal.

In an embodiment, the system includes means 2152 for transmitting asignal indicative of the electronic data indicative of a property of themammal. In an embodiment, the system includes means 2154 for receiving asignal indicative of the electronic data indicative of a property of themammal. In an embodiment, the system includes means 2156 fortransmitting a signal indicative of the extracted information indicativeof a physiological characteristic of the mammal. In an embodiment, thesystem includes means 2158 for receiving a signal indicative of theextracted information indicative of a physiological characteristic ofthe mammal. In an embodiment, the system includes means 2162 fortransmitting a signal indicative of the chosen neuromodulation treatmentregimen. In an embodiment, the system includes means 2164 for receivinga signal indicative of the chosen neuromodulation treatment regimen.

FIG. 29 illustrates an example environment 2200 that includes a system2203. The system includes a sensor device 2220 operable to detect aproperty of a mammal 2205 without a direct physical contact with themammal. The system also includes a patient assessment device 2230operable to evaluate the detected property of the mammal for anindicator of a disease, disorder, or symptom potentially treatable by aneuromodulation treatment regimen (hereafter referred to as “disease”).For example, if the detected property is a brain wave, an evaluation ofthe detected property may indicate that the brain wave includes acharacteristic of an epileptic seizure event. For example, if thedetected property is a cardiac waveform, an evaluation of the detectedproperty may indicate that the cardiac waveform includes acharacteristic of a heart arrhythmia. In an embodiment, the patientassessment device may include a computing device having a database, alookup table, or an artificial intelligence tool operable to facilitatethe evaluation of the detected property of the mammal for an indicatorof a disease, disorder, or symptom potentially treatable by aneuromodulation treatment regimen. For example, the computing device mayinclude the thin computing device 20 described in conjunction with FIG.1 or the computing device 110 described in conjunction with FIG. 2. Thesystem includes a patient information device 2250 having acomputer-readable medium 2255 and that is configured to maintain andprovide access to information corresponding to the indication of thedisease. In an embodiment, the patient records device may besubstantially similar to the patient records device 1790 described inconjunction with FIG. 20. The system also includes a transmitter device,illustrated as a communications circuit 2258, operable to broadcast asignal indicative of the disease. In an embodiment, the broadcast of thesignal indicative of the disease may be a pushed broadcast or a pulledbroadcast.

The environment 2200 also includes a computing device 2290 having a userinterface, illustrated as a display 2292, and operable to communicatewith the patient information device 2250 and to receive the signalindicative of the disease broadcast by the communications circuit 2258of the patient information device. In an embodiment, the computingdevice is also operable to communicate with the neuromodulation device1460. In an embodiment, the computing device is operable to display theindication of the disease broadcast by the communications circuit 2258to a user, such as the mammal or a third-party user (not illustrated).In an embodiment, the computing device having a user interface mayinclude the thin computing device 20 described in conjunction with FIG.1, or the computing device 110 described in conjunction with FIG. 2. Inanother embodiment, the computing device may include a specialized userinterface (not shown).

In an embodiment, the sensor device 2220 may include a sensor head 2222,a signal generating circuit 2223, a sensor controller 2224, a processorcircuit 2225, a sensor output conditioning circuit 2226, acommunications circuit 2228, or other circuit(s) 2229. In an embodiment,the patient assessment device 2230 may include an artificialintelligence based assessment circuit 2232, a library based assessmentcircuit 2234, a computer-readable medium 2235, a processor circuit 2236,a communications circuit 2238, or other circuit(s) 2239. In anembodiment, the patient information device 2250 may include a recordsmanagement circuit 2252, a processor circuit 2254, a computer-readablemedium 2255, a records privacy circuit 2256, a communications circuit2258, or other circuit(s) 2259.

In an embodiment, the sensor device 2320 includes a sensor deviceoperable to detect a property of a mammal 2205 absent a directconductive, electrical, or physical contact with the mammal. In anembodiment, the sensor device includes a contactless sensor deviceoperable to at least one of electronically, sonically, acoustically,thermally, radiatively, or chemically detect a property of a mammalwithout a direct contact with the mammal. In an embodiment, the sensordevice includes a contactless sensor device operable to detect aproperty of a mammal without a direct contact with the mammal, and totransmit a signal indicative of the detected property of a mammal. In anembodiment, the signal may be transmitted wirelessly or via anelectrical conductor.

In an embodiment, the patient assessment device 2230 includes a patientassessment device physically distinct and spatially apart from thesensor device 2220. In an embodiment, the patient assessment deviceincludes a patient assessment device operable to evaluate the detectedproperty of the mammal 2205 for an impairment or ailment potentiallytreatable by a neuromodulation treatment regimen. In an embodiment, thepatient assessment device includes a patient assessment device operableto receive a signal indicative of the detected property of a mammal andto evaluate the detected property of the mammal for an indicator of adisease. In an embodiment, the mammal assessment device is operable toreceive the signal indicative of the detected property of a mammalwirelessly or via an electrical conductor. In an embodiment, the patientassessment device includes a patient assessment device operable toevaluate the detected property of the mammal for a physiologicalcharacteristic of the mammal and to identify a disease of the mammal inresponse to the evaluated physiological characteristic of the mammal. Inan embodiment, the patient assessment device includes a patientassessment device operable to evaluate the detected property of themammal for an indicator of a disease and to determine a neuromodulationtreatment regimen in response to the indicator of the disease of themammal. In an embodiment, the patient assessment device includes apatient assessment device operable to evaluate the detected property ofthe mammal for an indicator of a disease and to determine aneuromodulation treatment regimen in response the indicator of a diseaseaccording to a selected outcome.

In an embodiment, the patient assessment device 2230 includes a patientassessment device operable to evaluate the detected property of themammal 2205 for an indicator of a disease and to determine a therapeuticneuromodulation treatment regimen in response to the indicator of adisease. In an embodiment, a therapeutic neuromodulation treatmentregimen includes a neuromodulation treatment regimen that isefficacious, or indicated as effective to at least one of change, alter,control, or stabilize a state of the mammal. In an embodiment, thepatient assessment device includes a patient assessment device operableto evaluate the detected property of the mammal for an indicator of adisease and to transmit a signal responsive to the indicator of adisease. In an embodiment, the signal may be transmitted wirelessly orvia an electrical conductor. In an embodiment, the patient assessmentdevice includes an electronically implemented patient assessment deviceoperable to evaluate the detected property of the mammal for anindicator of a disease. In an embodiment, the patient assessment deviceincludes a patient assessment device operable to evaluate using anartificial intelligence technique the detected property of the mammalfor an indicator of a disease. In an embodiment, the patient assessmentdevice includes a patient assessment device operable to evaluate thedetected property of the mammal for an indicator of a disease usingdigitally maintained table indicating a possible correlation between theindicator of a disease and the detected property. In an embodiment, thepatient assessment device and the mammal information device 2250 shareat least a portion of a common chassis.

In an embodiment, the patient records device 2250 is configured tomaintain and provide access to information corresponding to theindication of the disease and information corresponding to theneuromodulation treatment regimen responsive to the characteristic of asymptom of the mammal 2205.

In an embodiment, the system 2203 includes a user interface operable toelectronically output a human-perceivable indication of the disease inresponse to the broadcast signal indicative of the disease. In anembodiment, the user interface may be provided by the display 2292 ofthe computing device 2290. For example, the display may electronicallyoutput a human-perceivable indication of a seizure, or arrhythmiacharacteristic. In an embodiment, the patient information device 2250and the user interface share at least a portion of a common chassis. Inan embodiment, the user interface includes a user interface operable toelectronically output a visual or audible indication of the disease inresponse to the broadcast signal indicative of the disease. In anembodiment, the user interface includes a user interface operable toelectronically output a human-perceivable indication of the disease inresponse to the broadcast signal indicative of the disease. The userinterface is also operable to output a proffered neuromodulationtreatment regimen responsive to the disease. For example, the profferedneuromodulation treatment regimen may include a mild heart pacingintervention, significant heart pacing intervention, or neuromodulationtreatment regimen to a vagus nerve. In an embodiment, the user interfaceincludes a user interface operable to electronically display ahuman-perceivable indication of the disease in response to the broadcastsignal indicative of the disease. In an embodiment, the user interfaceincludes a user interface operable to electronically display ahuman-perceivable visual, audible, or tactile indication of the diseasein response to the broadcast signal indicative of the disease. In anembodiment, the user interface includes a user interface operable toelectronically output a human-perceivable indication of the disease inresponse to the broadcast signal indicative of the disease and receive ahuman-originated input responsive to the indication of the disease. Inan embodiment, the user interface includes a user interface operable toelectronically output (i) a human-perceivable indication of the diseasein response to the broadcast signal indicative of the disease and (ii) aproffered neuromodulation treatment regimen responsive to the disease.The user interface is also operable to receive a human-originated inputresponsive to the proffered neuromodulation treatment regimen. In anembodiment, the user interface includes a user interface operable toelectronically output a human-perceivable indication of the disease tothe mammal or to a person other than the mammal in response to thebroadcast signal indicative of the disease.

In an embodiment, the system 2203 includes a treatment controlleroperable to control an administration of a neuromodulation treatmentregimen to a nervous system component 2207 of the mammal 2205. In anembodiment, the treatment controller is illustrated as treatmentcontroller circuit 1464 of the neuromodulation device 1460. In anotherembodiment, the treatment controller may be a stand-alone device (notillustrated). In an embodiment, patient information device 2250 and thetreatment controller device share at least a portion of a commonchassis. In an embodiment, the treatment controller includes a treatmentcontroller operable to control an administration of a neuromodulationtreatment regimen to a nervous system component of the mammal inresponse to a human-originated input responsive to a profferedneuromodulation treatment regimen. In an embodiment, the treatmentcontroller includes a treatment controller operable to control anadministration of a neuromodulation treatment regimen to a nervoussystem component of the mammal and to communicate with a neuromodulationdevice physically associated with the mammal. In an embodiment, thetreatment controller is operable to communicate with the neuromodulationdevice using a wireless connection or an electrical conductor. In anembodiment, the treatment controller is operable to communicate with theneuromodulation device physically associated with the mammal using anetwork, such as the Internet, a global computer network, a privatenetwork, a LAN, or a cellular network.

In an embodiment, the system 2203 includes the neuromodulation device1460, which is operable to administer a neuromodulation treatmentregimen to a nervous system component 2207 of the mammal 2205. In anembodiment, the neuromodulation device is operable to administer aneuromodulation treatment regimen to a nervous system component 2207 ofthe mammal in response to a command received from the treatmentcontroller in response to an input initiated by the mammal, or inresponse to an input initiated by a health care provider. In anembodiment, the system includes an illumination source 1430 operable toilluminate at least a portion of the mammal with an energy to which thecontactless sensor device 2220 is responsive.

FIG. 29 also illustrates another example of the system 2203. The systemincludes the sensor device 2220 operable to detect a property of themammal 2205 without a direct contact with the mammal. The systemincludes the patient assessment device 2230 operable to evaluate thedetected property of the mammal for an indicator of a disease, disorder,or symptom potentially treatable by a neuromodulation treatment regimen(hereafter referred to as “disease”). The system includes the userinterface device, illustrated as the user interface 2292 of thecomputing device 2290, operable to electronically output ahuman-perceivable information responsive to the disease. The systemincludes the patient information device 2250 having thecomputer-readable medium 2255, and configured to maintain informationcorresponding to the indicator of a disease, to maintain informationcorresponding to the indication of a human-initiated authorization toinitiate a neuromodulation treatment regimen to a nervous systemcomponent of the mammal, and to provide access to the maintainedinformation.

In an embodiment of the another example of the system 2203, the userinterface 2292 of the computing device 2290 includes a user interfacedevice operable to electronically output a human-perceivable informationresponsive to the indicator of a disease to the mammal or to a thirdperson, and to electronically receive an indication of a human-initiatedauthorization to initiate a neuromodulation treatment regimen to anervous system component of the mammal. In an embodiment of the anotherexample of the system 2203, the patient information device having acomputer-readable medium. The patient information device is configuredto maintain information corresponding to the indicator of a disease, tomaintain information corresponding to the indication of ahuman-initiated authorization to initiate a neuromodulation treatmentregimen to a nervous system component of the mammal, and to provideaccess to the maintained information. In an embodiment of the anotherexample of the system 2203, the system includes the neuromodulationdevice 1460 operable to deliver a neuromodulation treatment regimen to anervous system component of the mammal.

FIG. 30 illustrates an example operational flow 2300. After a startoperation, the operational flow includes a sensing operation 2310. Thesensing operation includes acquiring electronic data indicative of aproperty of a mammal without making physical contact with the mammal. Inan embodiment, the sensing operation may be implemented using the sensordevice 2220 described in conjunction with FIG. 29. A diagnosis operation2320 includes evaluating the detected property of the mammal for anindicator of a disease, disorder, or symptom potentially treatable by aneuromodulation treatment regimen (hereafter referred to as “disease”)based on the acquired electronic data indicative of a property of amammal. In an embodiment, the diagnosis operation may be implementedusing the patient assessment device 2230. A records operation 2330includes maintaining and providing access to electronically storedinformation corresponding to the indication of the disease. In anembodiment, the records operation may be implemented using the patientinformation device 2250. A distribution operation 2340 includesbroadcasting a signal indicative of the disease. The distributionoperation may be implemented using the communications module 2258described in conjunction with FIG. 29. The operational flow includes anend operation.

In an embodiment, the operational flow 2300 may include a disseminationoperation 2350. The dissemination operation includes electronicallyoutputting a human-perceivable indication of the disease in response tothe broadcast signal indicative of the disease. In an embodiment, thedissemination operation may be implemented using the computing device2290 having a user interface, illustrated as a display 2292. In anembodiment, the operational flow may include a treatment operation 2360.The treatment operation includes administering a neuromodulationtreatment regimen to a nervous system component of the mammal inresponse to a human-originated input. In an embodiment, the treatmentoperation includes substantially transforming a physiological aspect ofthe mammal by administering a neuromodulation treatment regimen to anervous system component of the mammal in response to a human-originatedinput responsive to a proffered neuromodulation treatment regimen. In anembodiment, the treatment operation may be implemented using theneuromodulation device 1460. In an embodiment, the treatment operationmay include at least one additional operation, such as the operation2362. The operation 2362 includes administering a neuromodulationtreatment regimen to a nervous system component of the mammal inresponse to a human user-originated input that is responsive to aproffered neuromodulation treatment regimen.

FIG. 31 illustrates an example system 2400. The system includes means2410 for acquiring electronic data indicative of a property of a mammalwithout making physical contact with the mammal. The system alsoincludes means 2420 for evaluating the detected property of the mammalfor an indicator of a disease based on the acquired electronic dataindicative of a property of a mammal. The system further includes means2430 for maintaining and providing access to electronically storedinformation corresponding to the indicator of the disease. The systemalso includes means 2440 for electronically outputting ahuman-perceivable indication of the disease.

In an embodiment, the system 2400 includes means 2452 for administeringa neuromodulation treatment regimen to a nervous system component of themammal in response to a human-originated input. In an embodiment, thesystem includes means 2454 for administering a neuromodulation treatmentregimen to a nervous system component of the mammal in response to ahuman-originated input. In an embodiment, the system includes means 2456for administering a neuromodulation treatment regimen to a nervoussystem component of the mammal in response to a human-originated inputthat is responsive to a proffered neuromodulation treatment regimen.

In certain embodiments, communications between disclosed elements may besubject to security measures, such as encryption.

Examples Example 1 System and Method for Treating a Health ConditionIncluding Sensor Devices Associated with an Object and Able to RemotelyDetecting Cardiac Function

A system described herein, or a method, can be used to identify andtreat a health condition affecting the heart of a human patient, forinstance an abnormal heart rhythm such as atrial fibrillation (AF).Atrial fibrillation is the most common long-term arrhythmia and the mostcommon arrhythmia-related cause of hospital admission, with greater than2 million Americans and greater than 150,000 new cases treated eachyear. This number is expected to rise with an aging population sinceincidence is associated with advanced age. Atrial fibrillation involveschaotic and rapid (tachy) contractions of the atria that overload theatrial-ventricular (AV) node causing irregular, often fast, ventricularcontractions. Such arrhythmia can be identified by measuring theheartbeat intervals and electrical activity of the heart, as through anelectrocardiogram (ECG). For identifying and treating atrialfibrillation, the system would include one or more sensor devices ableto remotely sense heartbeat intervals and ECG readings by measuringsmall electrical potentials using a high input impedance electrometer.Examples of such sensor devices can be found in U.S. Patent ApplicationPub. No. 20060058694, supra; WO 2003/048789, supra; Harland, Meas. Sci.Technol., supra; Prance et al., 2007 Journal of Physics: ConferenceSeries, supra. Such a sensor device would provide noninvasive and remotemonitoring, and could be worn by the patient, for instance in or onclothing or jewelry, such as in a wrist band in non-conductive contactwith the body, for example as described by U.S. Patent Application Pub.No. 20060058694, supra; WO 2003/048789, supra; and C. J. Harland et al.,High resolution ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring usingwrist-mounted electric potential sensors, 14 Meas. Sci. Technol. 923-928(2003). Instead or in addition, the one or more sensor devices could beincluded in or associated with a piece of furniture, or with electronicssuch as a personal computer, or with some other item within, e.g., onemeter from the patient. For example, the one or more sensor devices ableto measure electric potentials could be embedded in an object, such as adesk, bed or chair, in direct but non-conductive contact with thepatient, as described by U.S. Pat. No. 7,245,956, supra. The patientwould be monitored by the one or more sensor devices, while at rest,while working at a desk or a computer, for example at a place ofemployment, or while engaged in activities, for example outside of thehome.

Information gathered by the one or more sensor device would becommunicated to a computing device of the system, either via directconnection, for example when the sensor device is embedded in acomputer, or wirelessly, for example using radiowaves or ultrasoundwaves, or Bluetooth technology. The computing device could be acomputer, such as a hand-held computer or a personal computer, and couldbe part of a network and able to access a central database. The computercould include a treatment regimen circuit or treatment decision circuit.The computer and its associated circuitry would process the informationto determine, for example, whether the heart is beating within normallimits for the patient or if the ECG readings are outside setparameters. Such processing would include application of a computerprogram and could include input from a user, for example the patient ora health care provider. If observed abnormalities are determined by thecomputer or the user to constitute a pathology, e.g. atrialfibrillation, the system and/or user can would signal theneuromodulation device to initiate a neuromodulation treatment.

Treatment for atrial fibrillation can include affecting a portion of theautonomic nervous system, especially one or more vagal nerve or efferentthereof. Control of heart rate and rhythm is mediated by the autonomicnervous system via opposite/complementary signals through sympatheticand parasympathetic (vagal) nerve fibers to promote respectivelyexcitation or at rest signaling. The parasympathetic fibers originate atthe medulla oblongata, and the cervical vagus nerves run parallel to thecarotid arteries. Atrial (and to a lesser degree ventricular) myocardiumis also innervated by vagal efferent nerves. The right vagus nerveprimarily innervates the sinoatrial (SA) node (which initiates the beatat the right atrium) and upon stimulation slows nodal firing; the leftvagus innervates the AV node (which receives and imparts the impulse)and moderates ventricular conduction of the beat. During atrialfibrillation, the atria discharge at a high rate. The ventricular rateat this time is rapid and irregular and is dependent on the conductingability of the AV node, which is often blocked. Thus, influencing (e.g.stimulating or blocking) the vagus nerves can affect theelectrophysiology of the heart and be used in the treatment ofpathologies such as atrial fibrillation.

Once signaled by the computer, the neuromodulation device would initiateone or more neuromodulating stimulus, for example by providing a currentto nervous system component that is a vagus nerve or related fiber. Insome forms such a neuromodulating stimulus would initiate a stimulatingaction potential; in some forms such a neuromodulating stimulus wouldblock an action potential. A number of devices and systems are known inthe art that can provide a stimulating or blocking neuromodulation to avagal nerve. In one example, the system and method used to treat a heartcondition, such as atrial fibrillation, would include one or morepartially or completely implanted neuromodulation device responsive toinstructions transmitted from the computer or network. Treatment wouldinclude, for example, the computer or network, as part of itsprogramming, circuitry, or in response to commands from the user,communicating instructions wirelessly to the one or more partially orcompletely implanted neuromodulation devices, which would then provideneuromodulation stimulus to one or more vagal nerves. For instance, thecomputer, having processed the information from the remote sensordevice, determines the need for treatment, and, as part of itsprogramming or instructed to do so by a user, the computer sends out awireless signal to a receiver and controller associated with thepartially or completely implanted neuromodulation source. Such wirelesssignaling is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,321,793, Vagal stimulation foratrial fibrillation therapy to O. Ben-Ezra et al. In some cases, theneuromodulation device would include a portion, such as one or moreelectrodes with leads, in direct contact with tissue and controlled by apulse generator, which may also be implanted, perhaps at a site distantfrom the electrodes, or it may be external and provide the pulsewirelessly. Examples of implanted and external pulse generators aredescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,496,404 to Meadows et al., supra and U.S.Pat. No. 7,146,217 to Firlik et al., supra, and in U.S. PatentApplication Pub. No 20050143787, Method and system for providingelectrical pulses for neuromodulation of vagus nerve(s), usingrechargeable implanted pulse generator, by B. Boveja. Additionalexamples of implanted generators include those used in Northstar'sRenova System or in St. Jude's SCS systems, including examples poweredby a long-life battery, a rechargeable system, or an external powersource. In some cases, the neuromodulation device would include aportion, such as a controller, external to the body of the patient andcoupled with the computer or network. Such an external controller wouldbe programmed to accept information or instructions from the computer,network, or remote sensor device and, in response to the receivedinformation, to transmit a wireless signal to one or more implantedportion of the neuromodulation device, for example a pulse generator,which would then initiate neuromodulation such as stimulating orblocking a vagus nerve or fiber. Examples of external controllers ableto receive information and communicate wirelessly with pulse generators,which may be implanted separately from the electrodes, or may be whollyintegrated or wholly external to the electrodes, are described in U.S.Pat. No. 7,146,217 to Firlik et al., supra. Examples of an externalcontroller able to communicate with an implanted pulse generator aredescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,496,404 to Meadows et al., supra and U.S.Pat. No. 7,127,297 Multiprogrammable tissue stimulator and method toLaw, et al. Examples of external components and vagal stimulationdevices are described in U.S. Patent Application Pub. No 20050143787 toB. Boveja, supra.

In some cases, as an alternative or in addition to wirelesscommunication between the computer and the neuromodulation device, thecomputer would provide an indicator, such as an audio or visualindicator or report, to the user instructing the user to interface thecomputer with the neuromodulation device. For example, the user wouldinterface the computer with portions of the neuromodulation device. Forexample a magnetic transcutaneous external controller or aradiofrequency controller, which in turn would communicate with theimplanted portion of the neuromodulation device. Examples of suchexternal components are described in U.S. Patent Application Pub. No.20050131467, Method and apparatus for electrical stimulation therapy forat least one of atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure,inappropriate sinus tachycardia, and refractory hypertension, by B.Boveja and U.S. Pat. No. 7,127,297 to Law, et al., supra. In some cases,wireless transmission would also serve as a means to power the implantedportion of the neuromodulation device, as described in U.S. PatentApplication Pub. No 20050143787, Method and system for providingelectrical pulses for neuromodulation of vagus nerve(s), usingrechargeable implanted pulse generator, by B. Boveja and U.S. Pat. No.7,146,217 to Firlik et al., supra. Alternatively or in addition, aportable energy source may provide energy transcutaneously, for exampleto recharge an implanted device as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,496,404to Meadows et al., supra. In some cases, the power source will beentirely external and energy transmitted to the implanted device, forexample by radiofrequency. An example of such an external energy sourceis the St. Jude's Renew Radiofrequency SCS System.

In an alternative to a neuromodulation device implanted in contact witha vagus nerve, at least a portion of the implanted neuromodulationdevice would be adjacent to the nerve, for example within a nearby bloodvessel through which it could provide the neuromodulation stimulus tothe nerve. Such a device, for example, is described in U.S. PatentApplication Pub. No. 20050187584, Vagal nerve stimulation using vascularimplanted devices for treatment of atrial fibrillation, by S. Denker etal. or in U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. 20060259085, Neuralstimulation system with pulmonary artery lead, by Y. Zhang.

In some cases, the computer and its circuitry and programming woulddetermine that the optimum treatment for the identified atrialfibrillation would include, for example, the system or method and itsneuromodulation device restoring a normal sinus rhythm (NSR). In othersituations the optimum treatment would include continuing atrialfibrillation under controlled circumstances, for example as a means ofavoiding formation of blood clots that can occur during repeatedepisodes of AF/NSR. In some cases, treatment for the atrial fibrillationprovided by the system or method would include providing at least twoforms of neuromodulation, for example inducing an action potential andinhibiting an action potential, which could be the induced potentialsubsequently inhibited, or a second action potential, for example in aseparate nerve. In some cases, treatment for atrial fibrillationprovided by the system or method would include providing neuromodulationhaving a particular set of parameters, such as, for example, providing acurrent of a particular amplitude such as between about 2 and about 10milliamps, or frequency, or providing pulses of current, for example ofa duration lasting between about 0.1 and about 4 milliseconds, or forexample repeated in intervals of between about 2 and about 10milliseconds in, for instance, intermittent, repetitive, or randombursts. In some cases, treatment for atrial fibrillation provided by thesystem or method would include providing neuromodulation only underparticular circumstances, for example during sleep or wakefulness,during a point in the circadian rhythm, or during a point in the cardiaccycle; in this case the system or method could use additionalinformation from the one or more sensors or from a component of thecomputer, such as a clock. Examples of devices and methods which couldbe used to provide forms of neuromodulation for treatment of atrialfibrillation are described in U.S. Patent Application Pub. No.20080091241, Vagal stimulation for cardioversion of atrial fibrillation,by O. Ben-Ezra et al; U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. 20080125825,Therapeutic maintenance of atrial fibrillation by electricalstimulation, by T. David; U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. 20040193231,Selective nerve fiber stimulation for treating heart conditions, by T.David; U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. 20080125827, Selective nervefiber stimulation for treating heart conditions, by T. David; U.S.Patent Application Pub. No. 20060271115, Vagal stimulation foranti-embolic therapy, by O. Ben-Ezra et al; or U.S. Pat. No. 7,321,793,Vagal stimulation for atrial fibrillation therapy, to O. Ben-Ezra et al.Additional neuromodulation devices may be used to affect additionalnerves, such as efferent or afferent to the vagus nerves, sympatheticnerves, or myocardial tissue. Such devices are described, for example,in U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. 20080091245, Combinedparasympathetic stimulation and cardiac pacing, by O. Ben-Ezra et al.

During and following treatment, monitoring the patient via the sensordevice can continue and the treatment can be adjusted accordingly asdetermined by the computer of the system, via its programming or userinput. In addition, the neuromodulation device, perhaps as part of thecontroller, would store information or report information, for exampleto a separate computer system or a network, regarding theneuromodulation treatment provided, such as the type and duration ofstimulation applied to a vagus nerve.

Example 2 System and Method for Treating a Health Condition IncludingSensor Devices for Remotely Detecting Cardiac Function in a HumanOccupying a Space

A system described herein, or a method, can be used to identify andtreat a health condition affecting the heart of a human patient, forinstance an abnormal heart rhythm such as atrial fibrillation.Arrhythmia associated with atrial fibrillation can be identified bymeasuring the heartbeat intervals and electrical activity of the heart,as through an ECG. For identifying and treating atrial fibrillation, thesystem would include one or more sensor devices able to remotely senseheartbeat intervals and ECG readings by providing and receiving anelectromagnetic signal directed at and reflected from the patient. Suchsensor devices using illuminating, reflected, electromagnetic, includingradiofrequency (RF), or microwave signals are described in U.S. Pat. No.7,272,431, Remote-sensing method and device to W. McGrath, U.S. PatentApplication Pub. No. 20040123667, Remote-sensing method and device, byW. McGrath; and U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. 20080045832,Remote-sensing method and device, by W. McGrath. One or more of suchsensor devices, which could include or be arranged as a sensor array,would be deployed, for example, throughout a room, perhaps as part of asmart room network. The patient would be monitored continuously whileoccupying the space, for example while at sleep or while performingnormal daily activities within a room or home.

The system or method for treating a heart condition such as atrialfibrillation would include a computing device and its related softwareand circuitry. Information gathered by the one or more sensor deviceswould be wirelessly communicated to the computing device. The computingdevice could be a computer, such as a hand-held computer or a personalcomputer, and able to access a central database. The computer couldinclude a treatment regimen circuit or treatment decision circuit. Thecomputer system would receive information from the one or more sensordevices regarding the heart rate and ECG readings. The computer wouldprocess the received information utilizing stored information such as amedical history database of the patient or treatment modalities. Thecomputer would then determine the appropriate treatment, at least partlybased on the stored information such as a table or database oftreatments recommended in response to the identified condition, such asnormal sinus rhythm or atrial fibrillation. The appropriate treatment insome cases would include no neuromodulation. As a further example, ifthe received information includes a heart rate and heart rhythmindicative of rapid atrial fibrillation, the computer and its treatmentregimen circuit and treatment decision circuit determines the optimumtreatment to be stimulation of the vagus nerve, which would slow theheart, allowing the heart to more completely relax and the ventricles toexperience increased filling. With larger diastolic volumes, the heartbeats more efficiently. The computer signals the neuromodulation deviceto initiate treatment. Alternatively, the computer provides informationon the sensed property or condition, the identified rapid atrialfibrillation, and the recommended neuromodulation to the user, forexample through a screen or hardcopy printout. The user, for example thepatient or health care provider, makes the final decision for treatmentand enters the decision into the computer system via an interface, suchas a keyboard, touch screen, mouse, or stylus, and the resultant signalis sent to the neuromodulation device.

Once signaled by the computer, the neuromodulation device would initiatea neuromodulating stimulus, for example by providing a current to thevagus nerve or related fiber. In one example, the system and method usedto treat a heart condition, such as atrial fibrillation, would includeone or more partially or completely implanted neuromodulation deviceresponsive to instructions transmitted from the computer. Treatmentwould include, for example, the computer or network, as part of itsprogramming, circuitry, or in response to commands from the user,communicating instructions wirelessly to the one or more partially orcompletely implanted neuromodulation devices, which would then provideneuromodulation stimulus to the one or more vagal nerves. For instance,having processed the information from the remote sensor device anddetermined that the best treatment is stimulation of the vagal nerve toslow the heart rate, the computer sends out a wireless signal to areceiver and controller associated with the partially or completelyimplanted neuromodulation source. Such wireless signaling is described,for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 7,321,793, to O. Ben-Ezra et al., supra.In some cases, the neuromodulation device would include a portion, suchas one or more electrodes with leads, in direct contact with tissue andcontrolled by a pulse generator, which may also be implanted, perhaps ata site distant from the electrodes, or it may be external and providethe pulse wirelessly. Examples of implanted and external pulsegenerators are described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,496,404 to Meadows et al.,supra and U.S. Pat. No. 7,146,217 to Firlik et al., supra, and in U.S.Patent Application Pub. No 20050143787, Method and system for providingelectrical pulses for neuromodulation of vagus nerve(s), usingrechargeable implanted pulse generator, by B. Boveja. Additionalexamples of implanted generators include those used in Northstar'sRenova System or in St. Jude's SCS systems, including examples poweredby a long-life battery, a rechargeable system, or an external powersource. In some cases, the neuromodulation device would include aportion, such as a controller, external to the body of the patient andcoupled with the computer or network. Such an external controller wouldbe programmed to accept information or instructions from the computer,network, or remote sensor device and, in response to the receivedinformation, to transmit a wireless signal to one or more implantedportion of the neuromodulation device, for example a pulse generator,which would then provide neuromodulation such as stimulating or blockinga vagus nerve or fiber. Examples of external controllers able to receiveinformation and communicate wirelessly with pulse generators, which maybe implanted separately from the electrodes, or may be wholly integratedor wholly external to the electrodes, are described in U.S. Pat. No.7,146,217 to Firlik et al., supra. Examples of an external controllerable to communicate with an implanted pulse generator are described inU.S. Pat. No. 7,496,404 to Meadows et al., supra and U.S. Pat. No.7,127,297 to Law, et al, supra. Examples of external components andvagal stimulation devices are described in U.S. Patent Application Pub.No 20050143787 to B. Boveja, supra.

In some cases, the computer and its circuitry and programming woulddetermine that the optimum treatment for the atrial identifiedfibrillation would include, for example, the system or method and itsneuromodulation device restoring a normal sinus rhythm (NSR). In othersituations the optimum treatment would include continuing atrialfibrillation under controlled circumstances, for example as a means ofavoiding formation of blood clots that can occur with during repeatedepisodes of AF/NSR. In some cases, treatment for atrial fibrillationprovided by the system or method would include providing at least twoforms of neuromodulation, for example inducing an action potential andinhibiting an action potential, which could be the induced potentialsubsequently inhibited, or a second action potential, for example in aseparate nerve. In some cases, treatment for atrial fibrillationprovided by the system or method would include providing neuromodulationhaving a particular set of parameters, such as, for example, providing acurrent of a particular amplitude such as between about 2 and about 10milliamps, or frequency, or providing pulses of current, for example ofa duration lasting between about 0.1 and about 4 milliseconds, or forexample repeated in intervals of interval of between about 2 and about10 milliseconds in, for instance, intermittent, repetitive, or randombursts. In some cases, treatment for atrial fibrillation provided by thesystem or method would include providing neuromodulation only underparticular circumstances, for example during sleep or wakefulness,during a point in the circadian rhythm, or during a point in the cardiaccycle; in this case the system or method could use additionalinformation from the one or more sensors or from the computer, such as aclock. Examples of devices and methods which could be used to providesuch forms of neuromodulation for treatment of atrial fibrillation aredescribed in U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. 20080091241, Vagalstimulation for cardioversion of atrial fibrillation, by O. Ben-Ezra etal; U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. 20080125825, Therapeuticmaintenance of atrial fibrillation by electrical stimulation, by T.David; U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. 2004019323 1, Selective nervefiber stimulation for treating heart conditions, by T. David; U.S.Patent Application Pub. No. 20080125827, Selective nerve fiberstimulation for treating heart conditions, by T. David; U.S. PatentApplication Pub. No. 20060271115, Vagal stimulation for anti-embolictherapy, by O. Ben-Ezra et al; or U.S. Patent No. 7,321,793, Vagalstimulation for atrial fibrillation therapy, by 0. Ben-Ezra et al.Additional neuromodulation devices may be used to affect additionalnerves, such as efferent or afferent to the vagus nerves, sympatheticnerves, or myocardial tissue. Such devices are described, for example,in U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. 20080091245, Combinedparasympathetic stimulation and cardiac pacing, by O. Ben-Ezra et al.

In some cases, the computer of the system would be programmed tocontinue monitoring via the remote sensor devices and the signalgenerator, which would send instructions, for example different oradditional instructions, to the neuromodulation device. During andfollowing treatment, monitoring the patient via the sensor device cancontinue and the treatment can be adjusted accordingly as determined bythe computer of the system, via its programming or user input. Inaddition, the neuromodulation device, perhaps as part of the controller,would store information or report information, for example to a separatecomputer system or a network, regarding the neuromodulation treatmentprovided, such as the type and duration of stimulation applied to avagus nerve.

Example 3 System and Method for Remotely Detecting Effects of a SleepDisorder in an Active Person and Providing Treatment

The system or a method described herein can be used to treat a sleepdisorder or an effect thereof in an adult human person performing anactivity. Hypersomnia, which can be described as an excessive need forsleep, excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), and episodes of involuntarysleep (“sleep attacks”) is known to be associated with a number ofsleep-related disorders. In some persons these symptoms arecharacteristic sequelae of primary somnolence disorders, such asnarcolepsy, idiopathic hypersomnia, recurrent hypersomnia likeKleine-Levin Syndrome, and nervous system disorders such asencephalitis. In other cases these symptoms present as secondary to apathology, for example a sleep-related breathing disorder like sleepapnea, or are observed with certain diseases, such as nervous systemdisorders like Parkinson's Disease or epilepsy, or in patients takingcertain medications, e.g. dopamine agonists. For additional descriptionof sleep disorders see e.g., J. Black et al., Narcolepsy and Syndromesof Primary Excessive Daytime Somnolence, 24(3) Semin Neurol 271-282(2004); J. Black et al., Narcolepsy and Syndromes of Central NervousSystem-Mediated Sleepiness, 3(4) Focus 585-597 (2005); or AmericanAcademy of Sleep Medicine, International Classification of SleepDisorders: Diagnostic and Coding Manual (2^(nd) ed., 2005).

EDS and similar effects can present problems in daily living, forexample occurring at inappropriate times, interrupting normal activitiesand even compromising safety; they can also be indicative of a problemrequiring attention. A sleep-related disorder or an effect thereof, suchas drowsiness or involuntary sleep, can be evaluated in a personperforming an activity by determining a state of alertness, for exampleby measuring the characteristics of the pupil of an eye, such as pupiloscillation or miosis. In the system or method for treating asleep-related disorder or effect thereof, such measurements would beobtained remotely by using a sensor device that includes a pupillometer.An example of a pupillometer sensor device using a camera or infraredoptics is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,097,295, Apparatus fordetermining the alertness of a driver, to M. Griesinger et al., or inU.S. Pat. No. 7,226,164, Method and apparatus for testing sleepiness, toM. Griesinger et al. A sensor device including a pupillometer could, forexample, be incorporated into a computer camera, e.g. mounted in or on acomputer monitor or the dashboard or interior of a vehicle, and would beconfigured to scan the pupils of an individual facing the camera. Thesensor would monitor the person continuously or at programmed intervals.

Hypersomnia, narcolepsy, or other sleep-related disorders, or a relatedeffect such as drowsiness can be evaluated throughelectroencephalography (EEG), for example by identifying one or morealterations in the distribution of energy in the person's EEG signal, orthrough electrooculogram (EOG) readings, as by identification of eyemovements. Additional description of such evaluation using EEG, with orwithout EOG, is provided in U.S. Pat. No. 6,167,298, Devices and methodsfor maintaining an alert state of consciousness through brain wavemonitoring, to R. Levin; and in C. Papadelis et al., Monitoringsleepiness with on-board electrophysiological recordings for preventingsleep-deprived traffic accidents, 118 Clinical Neurophysiology:1906-1922 (2007); Indicators of Sleepiness in an ambulatory EEG study ofnight driving, Proceedings of the 28th IEEE EMBS Annual InternationalConference (2006), and C. Marzano et al., Slow eye movements andsubjective estimates of sleepiness predict EEG power changes duringsleep deprivation, 30(5) Sleep 610-6 (2007). In some cases of detectingand treating a sleep-related disorder or an effect thereof, the systemor method would remotely obtain EEG readings, with or without obtainingconcurrent EOG readings. For example, the system or method would includeone or more sensor devices having a high input impedance electrometerand configured to measure small electrical potentials, and could includeadditional devices for obtaining EOG readings. Examples of such sensordevices and technologies are described in U.S. Patent Application Pub.No. 20060058694, supra; ; WO 2003/048789, supra; C. J. Harland et al.,Remote detection of human electroencephalograms using ultrahigh inputimpedance electric potential sensors, 81(17) Appl. Phys. Letters,3284-3286 (2002); and R. J. Prance et al., Adaptive Electric PotentialSensors for smart signal acquisition and processing, 76 Journal ofPhysics: Conference Series 012025 (2007).

Sleep-related disorders such as narcolepsy, and related conditions suchas fatigue or a transition from a state of wakefulness to drowsiness,can be assessed by examining a person's cardiac activity including thevariability and patterns, such as in an ECG. In some cases, detectingand treating a sleep-related disorder or effect thereof, the system ormethod would obtain cardiac activity readings remotely, for exampleusing one or more sensor devices. In one example, the system wouldinclude one or more sensor devices able to remotely sense heartbeatintervals and ECG readings by measuring small electrical potentialsusing a high input impedance electrometer. Examples of such sensordevices can be found in U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. 20060058694,supra; WO 2003/048789, supra; Harland, Meas. Sci. Technol. supra; Prance2007 Journal of Physics: Conference Series, supra. In addition, thesensor devices could include an electromagnetic inductance device ableto measure cardiac activity variability, as described in U.S. Pat. No.7,254,439, Method and system for contactless evaluation of fatigue of anoperator to D. Misczynski. As an alternative or in addition, the one ormore sensor devices would include a device responsive to anelectromagnetic signal directed at, illuminating, and reflected from theperson to measure heartbeat intervals and ECG information. An example ofsuch a device is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,272,431, supra; U.S.Patent Application Pub. No. 20040123667, supra; or U.S. PatentApplication Pub. No. 20080045832, supra.

In some cases, the one or more sensor devices would be worn by theperson in a non-conductive contact with the body, for example a highinput impedance electrometer worn in or on clothing or jewelry, such asin a wrist band. An example of such a sensor device is described in U.S.Patent Application Pub. No. 20060058694, supra; WO 2003/048789, supra;and C. J. Harland, 14 Meas. Sci. Technol. 923-928, supra. Alternativelyor in addition, the sensor devices would be embedded in or associatedwith a piece of furniture, such as a chair or desk, or in the headrestof a car seat, or in an accessory such as a seat belt, or in afreestanding or tabletop appliance, or in electronics such as a personalcomputer, car computer, or related accessories. The sensor devices couldbe arranged as an array, for example embedded in a number of items orassociated within a defined area, such as a vehicle or room. In somecases, the sensor device would acquire information regarding additionalphysiologic conditions. For example, respiration or temperature couldalso be obtained remotely using a sensor device as described in U.S.Pat. No. 7,272,431 supra; U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. 20040123667,supra; or U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. 20080045832, supra.

The system or method for detecting and treating a sleep-related disorderor an effect thereof would include monitoring of the alertness of anadult human person performing an activity such as driving a car orworking at a computer work station. As described herein, the one or moresensor devices, which could be arranged in one or more arrays, woulddetect and accumulate information regarding the eye (e.g. pupillometryor EOG readings), brain waves (e.g. EEG readings), or heart activity(e.g. heart rate and ECG readings), or combinations thereof. Formonitoring a person at a workstation, the sensors as described would beassociated with, for example, the desk, chair, or computer of theworkstation, and would be, e.g., within one meter of the person.Alternatively or in addition, the sensor devices would be associatedwith an area encompassing the workstation, for example placed on or neara wall of a room or work cubicle. For monitoring a person in a vehicle,the sensor devices would be embedded in the seat, e.g. in the headrest,belt, or seatback, e.g. within one meter of the person. Alternatively orin addition, the sensor devices would be associated with the interiorspace of the vehicle. The sensor devices of the system would communicatewith the computer of the system and, directly or indirectly as throughthe computer, with the neuromodulation device of the system.

In some cases the system or method system or method for detecting andtreating a sleep-related disorder or an effect thereof would include apatient confirmation device able to confirm that the person beingmonitored by the one or more sensor devices is the person requiringassessment and possible treatment. For example, when a person sitting ina car or at a workstation is being monitored by the sensor devices foralertness and evidence of drowsiness, the sensor devices would include acamera able to capture the image of the person's face. Information fromthe sensor devices, including the image, would be transmitted to thecomputer of the system, and programming within the computer wouldcompare the acquired image information to stored image information. Ifthe image matches the person to be treated, monitoring and treatmentwould continue. If the image does not match that of the person to betreated, monitoring ceases, in addition, a signal could be sent to theneuromodulation device blocking its activation. Additional sensordevices would be included in the system as needed, including, forexample, a sensor for receiving radiofrequency identification signalsuch as those provided by a chip in a bracelet and carrying informationregarding the wearer. Hardware and software able to distinguish betweenindividuals is known in the art.

In the system or method for detecting and treating a sleep-relateddisorder or an effect thereof, information gathered by the one or moresensor devices would be communicated to a computing device of thesystem, either via a direct connection, e.g. when the sensor device isassociated with the computer, or wirelessly. The computing device couldbe a computer, such as a hand-held computer or personal computer andcould be part of a network. The computing device could includecircuitry, for example a treatment regimen circuit or the treatmentdecision circuit. The computer and its associated circuitry would storeor process the information, for example to determine the level ofalertness of the person, using stored parameters. Processing wouldinclude application of a computer program and could include input from auser, for example the person or a health care provider. If measuredparameters are determined by the computer or user to represent adecrease in alertness or onset of drowsiness, the system or user wouldsignal the neuromodulation device to initiate a neuromodulationtreatment.

Vagal nerve fibers have a wide distribution throughout the centralnervous system (CNS), and vagal stimulation produces evoked potentialsfrom the cerebral cortex, the hippocampus, the thalamus, and thecerebellum. Vagal afferent stimulation has been shown to elicit EEGsynchronization or desynchronization and to affect sleep states. Fordetecting and treating a sleep disorder or an effect thereof, the systemor method can provide stimulus or blocking neuromodulation signals to avagal nerve using a neuromodulation device. In some cases, theneuromodulation device would include a partially or completely implanteddevice responsive to instructions transmitted from, for example, thecomputer of the system, possibly through a controller. For example, thecomputer of the system, as part of its programming or in response tocommands from the user, would communicate instructions wirelessly to theone or more partially or completely implanted neuromodulation devicesable to stimulate one or more vagal nerves. For example, the computer ofthe system, having processed the information from the sensor devices andas part of its programming or if instructed to do so by a user, wouldsend out a radio signal to a receiver associated with at least a portionof an implanted neuromodulation device, such as a controller. Suchwireless signaling is described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No.7,321,793, Vagal stimulation for atrial fibrillation therapy to O.Ben-Ezra et al. Alternatively, the system or method would include aneuromodulation device in which a portion, such as a controller, isexternal to the body of the person. Such an external controller of theneuromodulation device would be programmed to accept information orinstructions from the computer, network, or remote sensor device and, inresponse to the received information, to transmit a wireless signal toone or more implanted receiving portions of the neuromodulation device,which would then stimulate or block a vagus nerve or fiber. An exampleof such an external controller is described in U.S. Patent ApplicationPub. No. 20050131467 Method and apparatus for electrical stimulationtherapy for at least one of atrial fibrillation, congestive heartfailure, inappropriate sinus tachycardia, and refractory hypertension,20050131467 by B. Boveja, supra. In some cases, wireless transmission tothe receiver would also serve as a means to power the implanted portionof the neuromodulation device. An example of a neuromodulation devicehaving an external controller and implanted portions is described inU.S. Patent No. U.S. Patent Application 20050143787 Method and systemfor providing electrical pulses for neuromodulation of vagus nerve(s),using rechargeable implanted pulse generator, by B. Boveja, supra. Insome cases, instead of a neuromodulation device implanted in contactwith a vagus nerve, the neuromodulation device would have at least aportion that is near the nerve, for example within a nearby bloodvessel, through which it can stimulate the nerve. An example of such anintravascular neuromodulation device is described in U.S. PatentApplication Pub. No. 20050187584, by S. Denker et al., supra. In somecases, for example as an alternative to wireless communication betweenthe computer and neuromodulation device, the computer of the systemwould provide an indicator, such as an audio or visual indicator orreport, to the person or health care provider instructing them tointerface the computer with a portion of the neuromodulation device,such as a controller. For example, the computer would provide visualinstructions on a computer screen indicating to the person to place anexternal controller, near the subcutaneous receiver of theneuromodulation device. The controller, when placed within range of thereceiver, provides instructions to the neuromodulation device, forexample to turn the device on or off An example of a controller for useby a person or a health care provider is the Access programmer of theActiva Therapy System by Medtronic. Examples of neuromodulation devicesand their control, for example using magnetic controllers are describedin U.S. Pat. No. 6,760,626, Apparatus and method for treatment ofneurological and neuropsychiatric disorders using programmerlessimplantable pulse generator system, to B. Boveja. Examples ofneuromodulation devices and their control, for example usingradiofrequency communication, are described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,127,297to Law, et al., supra.

Treatment for a sleep-related disorder such as narcolepsy or a relatedcondition such as excessive sleepiness, can be provided by the system ormethod in response to a detection of drowsiness. For example, when thedrowsiness occurs during an activity such as driving or working at acomputer, the one or more sensor devices of the system would detect thedrowsiness by remote pupillography identifying a pattern of oscillationsin the pupil, or by remote EEG recognizing bursts of alpha activity withincreased synchrony, or both. The sensor devices would then communicatewith the signal generator, or a computer of the system, which would inturn signal the neuromodulation device to initiate treatment. Theneuromodulation device would respond to provide treatment, for example,by inducing an electrical stimulus to modulate the electrical activityof the vagus nerve and thereby alter the electrophysiology of the brainand desynchronize the EEG activity, by stimulation of the vagus nerve ata frequency in the range from 20 to 75 Hz and greater than 0.1 volt. Anexample of such treatment is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,335,657,Therapeutic treatment of sleep disorder by nerve stimulation to T. Reeseet al.

EDS and similar effects can be indicative of a problem requiringattention, such as sleep deprivation due to a sleeping-related disorderlike apnea. Repeated periods of hypersomnolence or EDS can indicateonset, ongoing, or worsening of a disorder. In some cases, the sensordevices, the signal generator, or the computer would accumulateinformation regarding the number and duration of episodes of drowsiness,for example during daytime waking hours, and use this information toinitiate treatment during sleep, with or without further sensing,perhaps remotely, of physiologic parameters, such as respiratorypatterns that may be indicative of sleep apnea. Multiple or long-termreadings would be obtained by the remote sensor devices and theinformation stored or processed for use in treatment. For example, asreadings from the one or more sensor devices are obtained, stored, andprocessed, if certain predetermined parameters are met, e.g. a certainnumber of episodes of drowsiness occurring over a period of time, suchas 12 hours or 24 hours, additional sensing by the sensor devices may beinitiated at a later time, through programming or manually. In oneexample, the computer of the system processes information received fromthe sensor devices and determines that additional sensing is indicatedduring nocturnal sleep time, and the computer of the system signals thesensor devices to provide additional readings for heart rate orrespiratory rate and assess them for variability indicative of thepresence of apnea. If signaled by the sensor devices or computer, theneuromodulation device would provide treatment, for example providing anelectrical stimulus to modulate the electrical activity of the vagusnerve to alter the electrophysiology and so synchronize the patient'sEEG activity to promote sleep as a treatment to lessen occurrences ofEDS.

In some cases, the computer of the system would be programmed tocontinue monitoring via the remote sensor devices and the signalgenerator, which would send instructions, for example different oradditional instructions, to the neuromodulation device. During andfollowing treatment, monitoring the person via the sensor device cancontinue and the treatment can be adjusted accordingly as determined bythe computer of the system, via its programming or user input. Inaddition, the neuromodulation device, perhaps as part of the controller,would store information or report information, for example to a separatecomputer system or a network, regarding the neuromodulation treatmentprovided, such as the type and duration of stimulation applied to avagus nerve.

Example 4 System and Method for Remotely Detecting Effects of a SleepDisorder in a Person at or Near Sleep and Providing Treatment

The system or a method described herein can be used to treat a sleepdisorder or an effect thereof in an adult human person transitioning toor from, or being in a state of sleep. Hypersomnia is known to beassociated with a number of sleep-related disorders. In some personsthese symptoms are characteristic sequelae of primary somnolencedisorders, such as narcolepsy, idiopathic hypersomnia, recurrenthypersomnia, and nervous system disorders. In other cases, however,these symptoms present as secondary to a pathology, for example asleep-related breathing disorder like sleep apnea, or are observed withcertain diseases, such as nervous system disorders like Parkinson'sDisease or epilepsy, or in patients taking certain medications, e.g.dopamine agonists. For additional description of sleep disorders seee.g., J. Black et al., Narcolepsy and Syndromes of Primary ExcessiveDaytime Somnolence, 24(3) Semin Neurol 271-282 (2004); J. Black et al.,Narcolepsy and Syndromes of Central Nervous System-Mediated Sleepiness,3(4) Focus 585-597 (2005); or American Academy of Sleep Medicine,International Classification of Sleep Disorders: Diagnostic and CodingManual (2^(nd) ed., 2005); P. Rizzo et al., Chronic Vagus NerveStimulation Improves Alertness and Reduces Rapid Eye Movement Sleep inPatients Affected by Refractory Epilepsy, 26(5) SLEEP 607-611 (2003).

In humans, there are two types of sleep, rapid eye movement (REM) andnon-REM (NREM), which can be identified by electroencephalography (EEG)and electrooculogram (EOG) readings. EEG frequencies are characterizedas beta (>13 cycles/sec), alpha (8-13), theta (4-7), and delta (<4cycles/sec). REM sleep is characterized by mixed high-frequency,low-amplitude ‘desynchronized’ activity on EEG with theta waves, and byREMs identified on EOG. NREM sleep can be further divided into fourstages corresponding to increasing depth of sleep, indicated byprogressive dominance in the EEG of high-voltage, low-frequency, andrhythmic, slow ‘synchronized’ wave activity. Mixed frequency theta wavesand slow rolling eye movements characterize stage 1 sleep. An increasingpercentage of delta waves is associated with stages 2-4. Throughout thesleep interval, normal sleep architecture is characterized by cycles oflight sleep (stages 1 and 2), deeper slow-wave sleep (stages 3 and 4),and REM sleep. Initiation and maintenance of sleep involves acomplicated network of neurological and endocrine signaling deep in thebrain within and between the hypothalamus, thalamus and brainstem, andrecent studies in animals and patients have provided insight into thevarious roles, including those of the vagus nerve and related pathways,sympathetic and autonomic nervous systems, and hormonal control.Disturbances in the system, due to extrinsic or intrinsic factors, canlead to insufficient sleep and fragmented sleep. Fragmented sleep,(predominantly microfragmentation), has been associated with suchconditions as sleep-related breathing disorders like apnea and nervousdisorders including epilepsy. Additional description is provided in thearticles above and in E. Pace-Schott et al., The Neurobiology of Sleep:Genetics, cellular physiology and subcortical networks, 3 Nat. Rev.Neurosci, 591-605 (August 2002); T. Buckley et al., 2005 REVIEW: On theInteractions of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis and Sleep:Normal HPAAxis Activity and Circadian Rhythm, Exemplary Sleep Disorders,90 J Clin Endocrinol Metab 3106-3114 (2005); T. Kuo et al., Asymmetry insympathetic and vagal activities during sleep-wake transitions, 31(3)SLEEP 311-320 (2008); and P. Rizzo et al., Chronic Vagus NerveStimulation Improves Alertness and Reduces Rapid Eye Movement Sleep inPatients Affected by Refractory Epilepsy, 26(5) SLEEP 607-611 (2003).

Hypersomnia, fragmented sleep, sleep apnea, or other sleep-relateddisorders, or a related effect such as an abnormal sleep state or sleeppattern can be evaluated through EEG, for example by identifying one ormore alterations in the distribution of energy in the mammal's EEGsignal, or through EOG readings, for example by identification of eyemovements as during the REM sleep state. In some cases, for detectingand treating a sleep-related disorder or an effect thereof, the systemor method would remotely obtain EEG readings, with or without obtainingconcurrent EOG readings. For example, the system or method would includeone or more sensor devices having a high input impedance electrometerand configured to measure small electrical potentials, and could includeadditional devices for obtaining EOG readings. Examples of such sensordevices and technologies are described in U.S. Patent Application Pub.No. 20060058694, supra; WO 2003/048789, supra; C. J. Harland et al.,Remote detection of human electroencephalograms using ultrahigh inputimpedance electric potential sensors 81(17) Appl. Phys. Letters,3284-3286 (2002); and R. J. Prance et al., Adaptive Electric PotentialSensors for smart signal acquisition and processing, 76 Journal ofPhysics: Conference Series 012025 (2007).

Sleep-related disorders such as hypersomnia, fragmented sleep, or sleepapnea, and related conditions such as sleep state, or a transition froma state of wakefulness to sleep, can be assessed by examining a person'scardiac activity including the variability and patterns, such as in anECG. In some cases, for detecting and treating a sleep-related disorderor effect thereof, the system or method would obtain cardiac activityreadings remotely, for example using one or more sensor devices. In oneexample, the system would include one or more sensor devices able toremotely sense heartbeat intervals and ECG readings by measuring smallelectrical potentials using a high input impedance electrometer.Examples of such sensor devices can be found in U.S. Patent ApplicationPub. No. 20060058694, supra; WO 2003/048789, supra; Harland, Meas. Sci.Technol., supra; Prance, 2007 Journal of Physics: Conference Series,supra. As an alternative or in addition, the one or more sensor deviceswould include a device responsive to an electromagnetic signal directedat, illuminating, and reflected from the person to measure heartbeatintervals and ECG information. An example of such a device is describedin U.S. Pat. No. 7,272,431, supra; and US Applications 20040123667 and20080045832, supra U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. 20040123667, supra;or U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. 20080045832, supra. In some cases,the one or more sensor devices would be worn by the person in anon-conductive contact with the body, for example in or on clothing orjewelry, such as in a wrist band. An example of such a sensor device isdescribed in U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. 20060058694, supra; WO2003/048789, supra; and C. J. Harland, 14 Meas. Sci. Technol. 923-928,supra. Alternatively or in addition, the sensor devices would beembedded in or associated with a piece of furniture, such as a bed orpillow, or in a freestanding or tabletop appliance, for example placedon a nightstand, or in electronics such as a personal computing device.The sensor devices could include or be arranged as an array, for exampleembedded in a number of items or perhaps within a defined area, such asa bedroom. In some cases, the sensor device would acquire informationregarding additional physiologic conditions. For example, respiration ortemperature could also be obtained remotely using a sensor device asdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,272,431 supra; U.S. Patent Application Pub.No. 20040123667, supra; or U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. 20080045832,supra.

In the system or method for detecting and treating a sleep-relateddisorder or an effect thereof, information gathered by the one or moresensor devices would be communicated, for example as a signal, to acomputer of the system, either via a direct connection or wirelessly.The computer could be part of a network and could include circuitry, forexample a treatment regimen circuit or the treatment decision circuit.The computer of the system and its associated circuitry would store orprocess the information, for example to determine the level of alertnessor stage of sleep of the person, using preset parameters. Processingwould include application of a computer program and could include inputfrom a user, for example the person or a health care provider. Ifmeasured parameters are determined by the computer or user to representa specific state, the system or user would initiate treatment.

Vagal nerve fibers have a wide distribution throughout the centralnervous system (CNS), and vagal stimulation produces evoked potentialsfrom the cerebral cortex, the hippocampus, the thalamus, and thecerebellum. Vagal afferent stimulation has been shown to elicit EEGsynchronization or desynchronization and to affect sleep states. Fordetecting and treating a sleep disorder or an effect thereof, the systemor method can provide stimulus or blocking neuromodulation signals to avagal nerve using a neuromodulation device. In some cases, theneuromodulation device would include a partially or completely implanteddevice responsive to instructions transmitted from, for example, thecomputer of the system. For example, the computer of the system, as partof its programming or in response to commands from the user, wouldcommunicate instructions wirelessly to the one or more partially orcompletely implanted neuromodulation devices able to stimulate one ormore vagal nerves. For example, the computer of the system, havingprocessed the information from the sensor devices as part of itsprogramming or if instructed to do so by a user, would send out a radiosignal to a receiver, associated with an implanted neuromodulationdevice. Such wireless signaling is described, for example, in U.S. Pat.No. 7,321,793, supra. Alternatively, the system or method would includea neuromodulation device in which a portion, such as a controller, isexternal to the body of the person and associated with the computer ofthe system. Such an external controller of the neuromodulation devicewould be programmed to accept information or instructions from thecomputer, network, or remote sensor device and, in response to thereceived information, to transmit a wireless signal to one or moreimplanted receiving portions of the neuromodulation device, which wouldthen stimulate or block a vagus nerve or fiber. An example of such anexternal controller is described in U.S. Patent Application Pub. No.20050131467 by B. Boveja, supra. In some cases, wireless transmission tothe receiver would also serve as a means to power the implanted portionof the neuromodulation device. An example of neuromodulation deviceswith such external controllers with implanted portions are described inU.S. Patent Application Pub. No. 20050143787, by B. Boveja, supra. Insome cases, instead of a neuromodulation device implanted in contactwith a vagus nerve, the neuromodulation device would have at least aportion that is near the nerve, for example within a nearby bloodvessel, through which it can stimulate the nerve. An example of such anintravascular neuromodulation device is described in U.S. PatentApplication Pub. No. 20050187584, by S. Denker et al., supra. In somecases, for example as an alternative to wireless communication betweenthe computer and neuromodulation device, the computer of the systemwould provide an indicator, such as an audio or visual indicator orreport, to the person or health care provider instructing them tointerface the computer with a portion of the neuromodulation device,such as a controller. For example, the computer would provide visualinstructions on a computer screen indicating to the person to place anexternal controller such as a magnetic controller, near the subcutaneousreceiver of the neuromodulation device. The magnetic controller, whenplaced within range of the receiver, provides instructions to theneuromodulation device, for example to turn the device on or off.Examples of such neuromodulation devices and their control are describedin U.S. Pat. No. 6,760,626, Apparatus and method for treatment ofneurological and neuropsychiatric disorders using programmerlessimplantable pulse generator system, to B. Boveja.

Treatment for a sleep-related disorder, such as sleep apnea orfragmented sleep, can be provided by the system or method in response toa detection of a sleep state. For example, as a person exits a deepsleep state and enters REM sleep, the one or more sensor devices of thesystem would detect increased desynchronized activity in the brain byremote EEG, and REMs by EOG. In some cases, the one or more sensors orthe computer would accumulate information regarding the length of timethe person remained in REM sleep and/or the number of times the personenters REM sleep or other sleep states. The sensor devices wouldcommunicate to the computer of the system, which would in turn signalthe neuromodulation device to initiate treatment. Treatment, forexample, would include inducing an electrical stimulus to modulate theelectrical activity of the vagus nerve and thereby alter theelectrophysiology of the brain and synchronize the EEG activity, e.g.using the neuromodulating device to provide a stimulus at a frequency ator above 75 Hz and below 3 volts. An example of such treatment isdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,335,657, Therapeutic treatment of sleepdisorder by nerve stimulation to T. S. Reese and J. F. Wernicke. In somecases, the sensor devices would detect cardioelectric or respiratorypatterns that may be indicative of sleep apnea. If sleep apnea weredetected and identified, computer would signal the neuromodulationdevice to provide treatment, for example to reduce the effects of sleepapnea and encourage sleep. The neuromodulation device would induce anelectrical stimulus to modulate the electrical activity of the vagusnerve to alter the electrophysiology and so synchronize the patient'sEEG activity. In some cases, treatment would include the neuromodulationdevice providing stimulation of a nerve branch, for example thetrigeminal or glossopharyngeal nerve. In some cases, for example tostimulate multiple nerves or branches, treatment would include theneuromodulation device having multiple electrodes, for example as partof an implant, which could be quite small. Such devices are described inU.S. Pat. No. 5,540,734, Cranial nerve stimulation treatments usingneuro cybernetic prosthesis, to J. Zabara; or U.S. Pat. No. 7,167,751,Method of using a fully implantable miniature neurostimulator for vagusnerve stimulation, to T. Whitehurst et al. In some cases, the systemwould include a neuromodulation device that is miniaturized andsubcutaneously injectable with an external controller able to interfacewith the computer of the system. Examples of such subcutaneousinjectable neuromodulation devices are described in U.S. PatentApplication Pub. No. 20090157147, Implantable Transponder Systems andMethods by L. Cauller and R. Weine.

In some cases using the system or method to treat a sleeping disorder orrelated condition, such as sleep apnea, would include modulating theautonomic nervous system. In some cases, the remote sensor devices wouldprovide accumulated or real time information to the computer of thesystem, which would signal the neurmodulation device. Theneuromodulation device would provide treatment including stimulating orinhibiting the autonomic nervous system via a nerve pathway. An exampleof such treatment is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,149,574, Treatment ofconditions through electrical modulation of the autonomic nervoussystem, to A. Yun et al., In addition or instead, the neuromodulationdevice would stimulate the spinal cord via an implanted ortranscutaneous device. An example of such a device and its use isdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,155,278, Neurostimulation to treat effectsof sleep apnea, to G. King et al. Alternatively or in addition, theneuromodulation device would stimulate a targeted nerve such as thephrenic nerve, which would directly affect a physiologic system such asrespiration, thereby providing treatment for the sleeping disorder orits effects.

All references cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference intheir entirety or to the extent their subject matter is not otherwiseinconsistent herewith.

In some embodiments, “configured” includes at least one of designed, setup, shaped, implemented, constructed, or adapted for at least one of aparticular purpose, application, or function.

It will be understood that, in general, terms used herein, andespecially in the appended claims, are generally intended as “open”terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “includingbut not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “havingat least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but isnot limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood that if a specificnumber of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intentwill be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of suchrecitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid tounderstanding, the following appended claims may contain usage ofintroductory phrases such as “at least one” or “one or more” tointroduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should notbe construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by theindefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containingsuch introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one suchrecitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases“one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or“an” (e.g., “a receiver” should typically be interpreted to mean “atleast one receiver”); the same holds true for the use of definitearticles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if aspecific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited,it will be recognized that such recitation should typically beinterpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the barerecitation of “at least two chambers,” or “a plurality of chambers,”without other modifiers, typically means at least two chambers).

In those instances where a phrase such as “at least one of A, B, and C,”“at least one of A, B, or C,” or “an [item] selected from the groupconsisting of A, B, and C,” is used, in general such a construction isintended to be disjunctive (e.g., any of these phrases would include butnot be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and Btogether, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B, and C together,and may further include more than one of A, B, or C, such as A₁, A₂, andC together, A, B₁, B₂, C₁, and C₂ together, or B₁ and B₂ together). Itwill understood that virtually any disjunctive word or phrase presentingtwo or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, ordrawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities ofincluding one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. Forexample, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include thepossibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

The herein described aspects depict different components containedwithin, or connected with, different other components. It is to beunderstood that such depicted architectures are merely examples, andthat in fact many other architectures can be implemented which achievethe same functionality. In a conceptual sense, any arrangement ofcomponents to achieve the same functionality is effectively “associated”such that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, any twocomponents herein combined to achieve a particular functionality can beseen as “associated with” each other such that the desired functionalityis achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermedial components.Likewise, any two components so associated can also be viewed as being“operably connected,” or “operably coupled,” to each other to achievethe desired functionality. Any two components capable of being soassociated can also be viewed as being “operably couplable” to eachother to achieve the desired functionality. Specific examples ofoperably couplable include but are not limited to physically mateable orphysically interacting components or wirelessly interactable orwirelessly interacting components.

With respect to the appended claims the recited operations therein maygenerally be performed in any order. Also, although various operationalflows are presented in a sequence(s), it should be understood that thevarious operations may be performed in other orders than those which areillustrated, or may be performed concurrently. Examples of suchalternate orderings may include overlapping, interleaved, interrupted,reordered, incremental, preparatory, supplemental, simultaneous,reverse, or other variant orderings, unless context dictates otherwise.Use of “Start,” “End,” “Stop,” or the like blocks in the block diagramsis not intended to indicate a limitation on the beginning or end of anyoperations or functions in the diagram. Such flowcharts or diagrams maybe incorporated into other flowcharts or diagrams where additionalfunctions are performed before or after the functions shown in thediagrams of this application. Furthermore, terms like “responsive to,”“related to,” or other past-tense adjectives are generally not intendedto exclude such variants, unless context dictates otherwise.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, otheraspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art.The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes ofillustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scopeand spirit being indicated by the following claims.

1. A system comprising: a sensor device configured to sense a propertyof a mammal without physically contacting the mammal; a signal generatorconfigured to generate a signal indicative of the sensed property of themammal; and a neuromodulation device configured to output a stimulusoperable to modulate a nervous system component of the mammal inresponse to the signal indicative of the sensed property of the mammal.2. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor device configured to sensea property of a mammal without physically contacting the mammalincludes: a sensor array configured to sense a property of a mammalwithout physically contacting the mammal.
 3. The system of claim 1,wherein the sensor device configured to sense a property of a mammalwithout physically contacting the mammal includes: a sensor deviceconfigured to sense at least one of an electrical, acoustic, thermal,radiative, absorption, reflection, gaseous emission, or transmissibilityproperty of the mammal without physically contacting the mammal.
 4. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the sensor device configured to sense aproperty of a mammal without physically contacting the mammal includes:a sensor device responsive to an impedance, capacitance, permittivity,reflectivity, absorption, or electrical activity of the mammal withoutphysically contacting the mammal.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein thesensor device configured to sense a property of a mammal withoutphysically contacting the mammal includes: a sensor device responsive toa property of a mammal without physically contacting the mammal.
 6. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the sensor device configured to sense aproperty of a mammal without physically contacting the mammal includes:a sensor device configured to sense a property of a mammal withoutphysically contacting the mammal, wherein the property includes aproperty of the mammal indicative of a disease, neurological disease,disorder, nervous system disorder, heart rhythm, heart disease, medicalcondition, treatable condition, health condition, physiologicalcharacteristic, or sleep disorder.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein thesensor device configured to sense a property of a mammal withoutphysically contacting the mammal includes: a sensor device configured tosense at least one of a quality or attribute of a mammal withoutphysically contacting the mammal.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein thesensor device configured to sense a property of a mammal withoutphysically contacting the mammal includes: a sensor device configured tosense a physiological property of a mammal without physically contactingthe mammal.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor deviceconfigured to sense a property of a mammal without physically contactingthe mammal includes: a sensor device configured to sense a dynamicphysical property of the mammal without physically contacting themammal.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor device configuredto sense a property of a mammal without physically contacting the mammalincludes: a sensor device configured to sense a bodily condition orphysiological state of a mammal without physically touching the mammal.11. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor device configured to sensea property of a mammal without physically contacting the mammalincludes: a sensor device configured to sense a bodily condition orphysiological state property of a fetus.
 12. The system of claim 1,wherein the sensor device configured to sense a property of a mammalwithout physically contacting the mammal includes: a sensor deviceconfigured to scan or progressively scan a space that may include themammal.
 13. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor device configuredto sense a property of a mammal without physically contacting the mammalincludes: a sensor device configured to monitor a property of a mammalwithout physically contacting the mammal.
 14. The system of claim 1,wherein the sensor device configured to sense a property of a mammalwithout physically contacting the mammal includes: a sensor deviceconfigured for an association with a mammal and to sense a property ofthe mammal without physically contacting the mammal.
 15. The system ofclaim 14, wherein the sensor device configured for an association with amammal and to sense a property of the mammal without physicallycontacting the mammal includes: a sensor device configured for aphysical association with a mammal and to sense a property of the mammalwithout physically contacting the mammal.
 16. The system of claim 14,wherein the sensor device configured for an association with a mammaland to sense a property of the mammal without physically contacting themammal includes: a sensor device configured for a physical associationwith an article of clothing or garment wearable by a mammal and to sensea property of the mammal without physically contacting the mammal. 17.The system of claim 14, wherein the sensor device configured for anassociation with a mammal and to sense a property of the mammal withoutphysically contacting the mammal includes: a sensor device configuredfor a physical association with an object wearable by a mammal and tosense a property of the mammal without physically contacting the mammal.18. The system of claim 14, wherein the sensor device configured for anassociation with a mammal and to sense a property of the mammal withoutphysically contacting the mammal includes: a sensor device configuredfor carrying by a mammal and to sense a property of the mammal withoutphysically contacting the mammal.
 19. The system of claim 1, wherein thesensor device configured to sense a property of a mammal withoutphysically contacting the mammal includes: a sensor device configuredfor an association with an object and to sense a property of a mammalwithout physically contacting the mammal.
 20. The system of claim 1,wherein the sensor device configured to sense a property of a mammalwithout physically contacting the mammal includes: a sensor deviceconfigured for a mounted, placed, integrated, or embedded associationwith an object and to sense a property of a mammal without physicallycontacting the mammal.
 21. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensordevice configured to sense a property of a mammal without physicallycontacting the mammal includes: a sensor device configured for anassociation with an object, and configured to sense a property of amammal while separated from a direct physical contact with the mammal byan intervening material or substance.
 22. The system of claim 1, whereinthe sensor device configured to sense a property of a mammal withoutphysically contacting the mammal includes: a sensor device configured tosense a property of a mammal without physically touching the mammal. 23.The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor device configured to sense aproperty of a mammal without physically contacting the mammal includes:a sensor device configured to sense a property of a mammal without aresistive contact with the mammal.
 24. The system of claim 1, whereinthe sensor device configured to sense a property of a mammal withoutphysically contacting the mammal includes: a sensor device configured tosense a property of a mammal without an electrically conductive contactwith the mammal.
 25. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor deviceconfigured to sense a property of a mammal without physically contactingthe mammal includes: a sensor device configured to sense a property of amammal across a non-electrically conductive gap with the mammal.
 26. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the sensor device configured to sense aproperty of a mammal without physically contacting the mammal includes:an electrodynamic sensor device configured to sense an electricalactivity of a heart of a mammal without physically contacting themammal.
 27. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor device configuredto sense a property of a mammal without physically contacting the mammalincludes: an adaptive electric potential sensor device configured tosense a property of a mammal without physically contacting the mammal.28. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor device configured to sensea property of a mammal without physically contacting the mammalincludes: an electric potential probe sensor device configured to sensea property of a mammal without physically contacting the mammal.
 29. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the sensor device and the signal generatorshare at least a portion of a common chassis.
 30. The system of claim 1,wherein the sensor device and the signal generator do not share a commonchassis.
 31. The system of claim 1, wherein the signal generatorconfigured to generate a signal indicative of the sensed property of themammal further includes: a signal generator configured to determine iftreatment is indicated in response to the sensed property of the mammal,and if a treatment is indicated, to output a signal indicative of thesensed property of the mammal.
 32. The system of claim 1, wherein theneuromodulation device configured to output a stimulus operable tomodulate a nervous system component of the mammal in response to thesignal indicative of the sensed property of the mammal includes: aneuromodulation device configured for implantation in the mammal and tooutput a stimulus operable to modulate a nervous system component of themammal in response to the signal indicative of the sensed property ofthe mammal.
 33. The system of claim 1, wherein the neuromodulationdevice configured to output a stimulus operable to modulate a nervoussystem component of the mammal in response to the signal indicative ofthe sensed property of the mammal includes: a neuromodulation deviceconfigured for a physical contact with the mammal and to output astimulus operable to modulate a nervous system component of the mammalin response to the signal indicative of the sensed property of themammal.
 34. The system of claim 1, wherein the neuromodulation deviceconfigured to output a stimulus operable to modulate a nervous systemcomponent of the mammal in response to the signal indicative of thesensed property of the mammal includes: a neuromodulation deviceconfigured for a positioning proximate to the mammal and configured tooutput a stimulus operable to modulate a nervous system component of themammal in response to the signal indicative of the sensed property ofthe mammal.
 35. The system of claim 1, wherein the neuromodulationdevice configured to output a stimulus operable to modulate a nervoussystem component of the mammal in response to the signal indicative ofthe sensed property of the mammal includes: a neuromodulation deviceconfigured to output a stimulus operable to modulate a central nervoussystem component, a sensory nerve, a motor nerve, an autonomic nervoussystem component, or an enteric nervous system component of the mammalin response to the signal indicative of the sensed property of themammal.
 36. The system of claim 1, wherein the neuromodulation deviceconfigured to output a stimulus operable to modulate a nervous systemcomponent of the mammal in response to the signal indicative of thesensed property of the mammal includes: a neuromodulation deviceconfigured to output a stimulus operable to modulate aneurotransmitter-releasing component of the nervous system of the mammalin response to the signal indicative of the sensed property of themammal.
 37. The system of claim 1, wherein the neuromodulation deviceconfigured to output a stimulus operable to modulate a nervous systemcomponent of the mammal in response to the signal indicative of thesensed property of the mammal includes: a neuromodulation deviceconfigured to output a stimulus operable to modulate a nervous systemcomponent of the mammal in response to the signal indicative of thesensed property of the mammal, wherein the stimulus is configured toexcite, stimulate, enhance, alter, mediate, modify, inhibit, block,negate, or augment the nervous system component of the mammal.
 38. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the neuromodulation device configured tooutput a stimulus operable to modulate a nervous system component of themammal in response to the signal indicative of the sensed property ofthe mammal includes: a neuromodulation device configured to output astimulus operable to at least one of excite, stimulate, enhance, alter,mediate, modify, inhibit, block, negate, or augment an aspect of thenervous system of the mammal in response to the signal indicative of thesensed property of the mammal.
 39. The system of claim 1, wherein themammal includes a human being.
 40. The system of claim 1, wherein themammal includes a fetus.
 41. The system of claim 1, wherein the mammalincludes a living organism that is distinguished from plants byindependent movement and responsive sense organs.
 42. A methodcomprising: sensing a property of a mammal without physically contactingthe mammal; generating an electronic signal indicative of the sensedproperty of the mammal; and modulating a nervous system component of themammal in response to the electronic signal indicative of a property ofthe mammal.
 43. The method of claim 42, wherein the modulating a nervoussystem component of the mammal in response to the electronic signalindicative of a property of the mammal includes: modulating a nervoussystem component of the mammal sufficiently to transform a physiologicalcharacteristic of the mammal in response to the electronic signalindicative of a property of the mammal.
 44. The method of claim 42,wherein the modulating a nervous system component of the mammal inresponse to the electronic signal indicative of a property of the mammalincludes: modulating a nervous system component of the mammal to apreselected state in response to the electronic signal indicative of aproperty of the mammal.
 45. The method of claim 42, wherein themodulating a nervous system component of the mammal in response to theelectronic signal indicative of a property of the mammal includes:electronically modulating a nervous system component of the mammal inresponse to the electronic signal indicative of a property of themammal.
 46. An apparatus comprising: means for sensing a property of amammal without physically contacting the mammal; means for generating anelectronic signal indicative of the sensed property of the mammal; andmeans for modulating a nervous system component of the mammal inresponse to the electronic signal indicative of a property of themammal.
 47. A system comprising: a sensor device configured to sense aproperty of a subject mammal without physically contacting the subjectmammal; a signal generator configured to generate a signal indicative ofthe sensed property of the subject mammal; a patient confirmation deviceconfigured to determine a substantial likeness between the subjectmammal and a patient mammal; and a neuromodulation device configured tooutput a stimulus operable to modulate a nervous system component of thepatient mammal, the stimulus selected in response to the signalindicative of the sensed property of the subject mammal, and thestimulus is output only if the patient confirmation device determines asubstantial likeness between the subject mammal and the patient mammal.48. The system of claim 47, wherein the patient confirmation deviceconfigured to determine a substantial likeness between the subjectmammal and a patient mammal includes: a patient confirmation deviceconfigured to determine a substantially common quality or aspect of thesubject mammal and a patient mammal.
 49. The system of claim 47, whereinthe patient confirmation device configured to determine a substantiallikeness between the subject mammal and a patient mammal includes: apatient confirmation device operable to determine that the subjectmammal and a patient mammal have a substantial probability of being thesame mammal.
 50. The system of claim 47, wherein the patientconfirmation device configured to determine a substantial likenessbetween the subject mammal and a patient mammal includes: a patientconfirmation device operable to determine a selfsameness between thesubject mammal and a patient mammal.
 51. A method comprising: sensing aproperty of a subject mammal without physically contacting the subjectmammal; generating an electronic signal indicative of the sensedproperty of the subject mammal; determining a substantial likenessbetween the subject mammal and a patient mammal; and outputting aneuromodulation treatment regimen to a nervous system component of thepatient mammal, the neuromodulation treatment regimen determined inresponse to the signal indicative of the sensed property of the subjectmammal, and the neuromodulation treatment regimen outputted only if asubstantial likeness between the subject mammal and the patient mammalis determined.
 52. An apparatus comprising: means for sensing a propertyof a subject mammal without physically contacting the subject mammal;means for generating an electronic signal indicative of the sensedproperty of the subject mammal; means for determining a substantiallikeness between the subject mammal and a patient mammal; and means foroutputting a neuromodulation treatment regimen to a nervous systemcomponent of the patient mammal, the neuromodulation treatment regimendetermined in response to the signal indicative of the sensed propertyof the subject mammal, and the neuromodulation treatment regimenoutputted only if a substantial likeness between the subject mammal andthe patient mammal is determined.